3 Lint Cleaning Techniques for Preventing a Dryer Fire

10/24/2018 (Permalink)

Protecting your Orchards, WA, home from fires can keep your family and investment safe. Homes fires can have many sources; however, clothes dryers are often the culprit. Lint and dust collect in several parts of the unit and increase the risk of a blaze that could spread quickly. You can lower the risk of a lint fire by using a few daily and weekly cleaning strategies, and most are simple to perform.

1. Clean the Lint Screen and Trap Area

Lint can gather in the dryer’s screen and down in the trap where the filter sits. This could cause a dryer fire because the accumulated lint might be difficult to see, even when the screen is removed. To clean this area, pull the screen out, remove the excess lint and then rinse the part with water. Next, use a slim vacuum attachment to clean the empty trap. Remember to dispose of all the lint carefully.

2. Vacuum Around the Dryer Weekly

Lint and dust can gather behind and under your dryer, increasing the odds of a lint fire. This can be especially dangerous if you have a large family with multiple individuals doing laundry throughout the week. However, you can keep the area clean with weekly vacuuming, which can be especially important if your dryer does not sit flush to the floor.

3. Clean the Exhaust Hose

Cleaning out your dryer’s exhaust hose can keep the unit functioning efficiently and prevent fire damage that could spread to other rooms. Before you begin, unplug the dryer to prevent the risk of electric shock. Vacuum the inside of the hose and use a hook tool to ensure it is completely empty of lint before you reattach it. You can ask a fire damage and restoration service to inspect your dryer if you are unsure about whether your cleaning techniques are effective.

A lint fire can devastate your Orchards,WA, home. Knowing how to maintain your dryer can reduce the risk and may even extend the life of the unit.