According to FEMA, there are 2,900 reported dryer fires every year in the United States, resulting in $35 million in property loss. A large majority of these fires may have been prevented by utilizing some of the following fire safety tips:
Always Have Your Washer and Dryer Professionally Installed
The only way to ensure that your laundry appliances are set up correctly and safely is to have them installed by a professional. Professional appliance repair and installation technicians are trained in both electric and gas dryer setups. They will know how to pair your dryer with your home safely. While it may be tempting to save some money and do it yourself, the risks are not worth the savings.
Clean the Surrounding Areas
The top of your dryer or the area surrounding it should never be used as storage. Keep your laundry area free of clutter and vacuum and dust regularly.
Check the Lint Trap Before AND After Each Load
The most common source of dryer fires is an overflowing lint trap. Get in the habit of checking the lint trap before and after each load.
Check Your Vents
Your dryer vents should be cleaned out periodically. A dirty vent is a dryer fire just waiting to happen. Dryer vents should be cleaned professionally once a year. In between professional cleanings, be sure to check the outside exhaust and clean it if needed.
Never Overload Your Dryer
A load of wet clothes that is too heavy for your dryer will cause it to work harder than it needs to. Not only is overloading your dryer a fire hazard, but it can also cause your dryer to break down or not last as long as it should.
Another way to prevent dryer fires is to have it professionally repaired at the first sign of an issue. Express Appliance Repair is here for all your dryer-related repairs and all the major appliances in your home.