Dryer Fire Prevention

9/29/2023 (Permalink)

Each year, firefighters across the country respond to around 14,630 home fires caused by clothes dryers, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Unfortunately, most dryer related fires can be prevented. An estimated 34 percent of these fires occur due to failure to clean the machines

If dryer fires are relatively common, but preventable, what can you do to make sure a fire doesn’t occur at your home? Here’s how to prevent an incident:

Clean Your Lint Filter: The most common cause of a clothes dryer fire is lint build-up and reduced airflow. Lint is an extremely combustible material. Clean your lint screen after each dryer load. 

Take Care When Washing Stained Items: Clothes stained with flammable chemicals or substances, such as gas, cooking oil, cleaning agents, or paint thinners, need special care. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends washing the clothing more than once to minimize the volatile chemicals, then hanging to dry. If you must use a dryer, use the lowest heat setting and a drying cycle that concludes with a cool-down period.

Clean the Vent Line: Cleaning should not only take place inside of vent hoses and inside of dryers, but also outside of the machines. The vent line is the wall area that is behind the dryer and goes toward the outside flap of the dryer. If this area is difficult to clean yourself, you can hire a professional to do so for you.

Maintain a Clear Drying Space: The entire surrounding area near a dryer should be clean and free of debris. No clothes, towels, cleaning supplies, or other materials should be gathered outside of a dryer.

This extra clutter, especially if cleaning supplies or flammable materials are present, will enhance the chance of a fire spreading across the home if one sparks. Fires spread rapidly, and anything that can contribute to that spread should be removed.

In the case of a dryer fire, immediately call 911. For after fire care, contact SERVPRO of Glendora and San Dimas at 626.852.9922