Dryer fires are more common than you think. Most of the time the fire is contained within the appliance and just burns out your machine, but the flames can spread. That is when a dryer fire can turn into a house fire. There are easy ways to prevent dryer fires, and these are things you should be incorporating into your regular laundry routine. Let’s take a look at some easy ways to prevent dryer fires.
Always Clean Your Lint Tray
This is the most important thing to remember when it comes to preventing your dryer from catching fire. Get in the habit of emptying your lint tray after every load of clothes AND checking it before starting a new load. Remove any lint you find, even it’s a small amount.
Check Your Vent Hose
Be sure to check your vent hose on a regular basis. White plastic hoses are unsafe, so if you still have one of these, replace it immediately. Aluminum hoses should be used and cut to length so there’s a limited amount of excess. Also, make sure there’s no kinks or crushed areas of your hose.
Clean Your Vent Line
Your vent line is located on the wall behind your dryer and goes to the outside. It sometimes can get clogged or lined with lint which can lead to fires. You can clean the vent line yourself or hire a professional to do so.
Keep Your Laundry Room Clean
Besides keeping your dryer clean, it’s also important to keep the area around your dryer clean as well. Vacuum that area regularly and keep the top of your dryer clear of boxes and clothes.
Keep the Inside of Your Dryer Clean
Get in the habit of wiping out the inside of your dryer on a regular basis. This will prevent the buildup of lint and debris.
Use these simple steps to prevent dryer fires.