Clean Dryer Vents To Prevent Fire

11/13/2021 (Permalink)

How dryer lint leads to house fires.

Fires in your Charlotte, NC, home can happen for a number of reasons, and one cause you may not consider is your dryer vent. A lint fire can spread quickly and create a large blaze, causing serious damage to your property. In fact, FEMA estimates $35 million in property damage each year. You can reduce the risk of serious damage to your property by learning how and when to clean your dryer vent and practicing dryer safety. Prevent calling the Charlotte Fire Department by following these tips:

Clean The Lint Trap Before Each Use

Lint builds up quickly, and not properly cleaning the lint trap is the leading cause of home dryer fires. You can prevent one of the 2,900 annually reported dryer fires from occurring in your home when you clean the lint trap before each use of the dryer.

Clean the Vent Bi-Annually

Cleaning the lint trap isn’t enough to stop dryer fires. Cleaning your dryer vent out twice a year can clear out the lint buildup that makes it past the lint trap. The lint that builds up in the vents can cause a serious fire. Consider making this task a regular item on your spring and fall cleaning list so you do not forget. Keep in mind, the highest number of dryer fires occur in the winter, primarily in January, so be sure dryer vents are clean before the dry weather helps spark a fire. 

Clean Each Part Thoroughly

A lint fire can start when the heat from the dryer causes trapped lint to ignite. Lint often builds up in the trap, hose, and vent ducks, so be sure to clean each part thoroughly. A vacuum is a very helpful tool for removing excess lint from the dryer system. Start with the lint trap, then unplug the dryer and vacuum all around the hose before disconnecting the hose. Disconnect the hose and shake out the trapped lint and clean out the duct. Plug the machine back in and vacuum any remaining debris that could cause a fire.

Have Your Dryer Area Inspected

Calling a professional fire inspector to ensure your dryer space is properly protected may reduce the chance of a fire. Whether your laundry room is inside your home or in a semi-detached space, professional inspectors can help you understand whether the space is safe and how you can best prevent fires. 

You can prevent a lint fire at your Charlotte, NC, home with proper dryer maintenance and cleaning. You can teach your family these tips as well so they can help keep your home safe from sudden fires. 

If a fire does occur in your Pineville, NC, home, calling a professional fire restoration company is the only way to make it "Like it never even happened."® Day or night SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County is here for you, just give us a call at (704) 840-6112.

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