Your clothes dryer is an essential home appliance, but it can also be a fire hazard if not maintained or used properly. Read on to learn how you can minimize the danger of a dryer fire in your home.
Proper Lint Screen Care
Dryer fires are more common than you might think. According to the National Fire Protection Association, over 13,000 dryer fires are reported each year, and about a quarter of those are caused by lint accumulation.
One of the simplest ways to reduce the chance of a dryer fire is to clean your lint screen after each and every use. This will remove lint from the dryer system and will help the lint screen work optimally to limit lint buildup elsewhere.
You should also use the lint screen every time. Don’t operate the dryer if it’s not in place, or lint could travel to another part of the dryer where you can’t reach it.
Use Rigid Ducts
Your dryer vents to the outside of your home via a duct. In some homes, this is a flexible, accordion-style duct.
While this style does the job, it also has a downside—literally. Since the duct is flexible, it can sag in areas, which means that lint can accumulate in those dips. The same goes for the accordion-style ridges. These can trap lint, which means that there’s a ready fuel source to start or feed a fire.
Replacing a flexible duct with a rigid metal duct circumvents these issues. Your dryer will have a straighter ventilation path and lint won’t have as many places to gather.
Clean the Duct and Dryer Annually
Even though a rigid metal duct is a far better option than a flexible one, it’s still possible to have a blockage or accumulation of lint or other debris. That’s why it’s important to clean your duct at least once a year.
You can clean the duct by disconnecting it from the dryer and using a long vacuum attachment to clean as far into it as you can reach. If it’s possible, you can also disconnect the sections of the duct for more access.
When you clean the duct, it’s also a good idea to clean the dryer and the spaces behind and under it. You can start by vacuuming the space where the duct connects to the dryer, then move to the surrounding areas. The more lint, dust, and other residue you can get rid of, the safer your home will be!
If you have questions about dryer maintenance or if you need dryer repair assistance in Wilmington or the region, call the team at All Brands Appliance Repair today. We’re a family-owned company with over 46 years of experience in appliance repair and care. We pride ourselves on providing outstanding customer service and we offer weekday and weekend appointments for your convenience. We also offer 24/7 emergency service, so you know we’ll be there when you need us. All Brands Appliance Repair—Reputation You Can Count On.
