Keep the Dryer Vent Clean
Clothes Dryer Fires Can be Prevented with Simple Maintenance Tips
Sep 20, 2009
Over 16,000 house fires each year are caused by clothes dryers. Hundreds of people each year suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning due to an improperly vented clothes dryer. Check the dryer manual for complete maintenance recommendations.
What to Know About Lint in the Clothes Dryer
When lint accumulates within the dryer it reduces airflow in the duct and vent creating a perfect situation for a fire. Lint is so flammable that campers often take it to the campsite to start campfires. Cleaning lint traps after every load will go a long way in preventing a build-up of lint inside the dryer and on the heating element.
Clean the lint trap screen with warm soapy water every few months. Periodically, depending upon usage, use a vacuum cleaner attachment to remove lint from under the lint trap and other accessible areas of the dryer. Every one to three years, contacted a certified appliance technician to thoroughly clean the dryer.
What to Know About Clothes Dryer Vents and Ducts
Clothes dryers at one time were typically housed in the basement with a short duct venting to the outside. Modern homes often have clothes dryers in the living areas of the house and ducts tend to be long with many twists and turns. Many dryers are improperly vented. The dryer duct should vent to the outside of the house. It should never be vented to the attic or a crawl space. Other common venting and dryer duct mistakes include:
- Dryer ducts that are too long. If the dryer duct is long, and there are no other options, consider a vent booster fan that will push the air through a long duct.
- Dryer vent-ducts that have too many sharp turns and bends. Check with a professional about how to decrease bends and turns.
- Dryer ducts made of plastic or foil. Rigid metal ducts are the best choice. Expandable aluminum ducts may be better where a more flexible material is necessary. Replace all dryer ducts made of plastic or foil with a metal duct.
- Not enough space between the dryer and the wall. When the dryer is too close to the wall, it may be crushing the vent-duct. This causes reduced airflow. Allow enough space around the dryer and vacuum the area often to prevent dust and lint build-up.
- Dryer vents and ducts are not cleaned in a timely manner. Dryer vents should be cleaned inside the house near the dryer and outside the house where the dryer vents. Use a vacuum or wire brush to remove all lint and debris from both areas.
- Dryer vents not inspected regularly. It is not uncommon for birds to build nests or for bees to build hives in dryer vents. This will prevent lint from escaping and may lead to a fire.
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