The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 15,000 clothes dryer fires occur annually.  These fires account for and average of 10 deaths, 310 injuries, and more than $67.7 million in property damage!

The leading cause of home clothes dryer fires was a lack of maintenance, followed by unidentified or unknown-type mechanical failure.

If your unit is taking a long time to dry, it is time for a check up! Delay can not only cause your dryer to break down due to stress on components but it can be an indication that you are heading for a dangerous situation!

  • Clean your lint filter every single load. It cuts down on drying time, saves energy, and discourages lint buildup.  And teach your kids those good habits!
  • Do not use dryer sheets. Studies have found that dryer sheets leave a residue in the dryer and can be detrimental to the machine’s components as well as contribute to vent lint buildup.
  • Have your vent professionally cleaned yearly. It is an absolute must, especially if your ducting runs up to the roof, under the house, has elbows, or is longer than 5 feet.
  • Do not use plastic vent material. It is not to code and it is a fire hazard!  And much of the “accordion style” vent material that looks like aluminum is really silver-colored plastic.  Do not be fooled!
  • Do not push your dryer back too far against the wall, pinching off the vent. It simply won’t dry well and causes the lint to back up into the unit, causing a fire hazard.
  • Keep the area under and surrounding the dryer clean.
  • Make sure the exterior vent is not blocked.  It needs to be clear of any type of debris, birds nests, soil, firewood, etc.
  • Do not vent your unit into the laundry room. It’s dangerous to do so. Also, do not put a nylon stocking at the end of the vent to catch lint or vent it into a bucket of water. The air needs to flow freely to work properly.
  • Do not dry any rags that have had contact with a flammable liquid.  The chemicals may not have been removed in the wash cycle and can ignite in the dryer.
  • If you have an older home, have an inspection.  Your venting may not be to code and a fire hazard.  It must be replaced!

 These simple steps can make such a difference in the safety and security of your household.  Call us today if we can offer assistance or request service right here online!