Homeowners may not realize this but dryer fires are more common than you might think. The good news is they are easy to prevent. When was the last time you cleaned out the lint filter on your dryer? Hopefully recently! But what about the dryer duct or the exhaust vent?
Avoiding a dryer fire is easy to do with a few simple preventative measures. The most common causes of dryer fires and how you can prevent them are discussed below:
- Don’t overstuff the appliance. and never put items in the dryer that are advised against in the instructions on clothing. For example, items made out of plastic, rubber, or foam are generally not suited for clothes dryers.
- Clogged vents, ducts, and filters are the primary cause of dryer fires. In addition to the lint filter, the outside vent can also become clogged which prevents airflow and leads to hazardous conditions.
- Make sure that the dryer is properly installed and connected to a proper electrical outlet.
- Be sure to clean the lint screen after each use. This is one of the most important steps you can take to prevent a dryer fire. Whether it’s easier for you to remember to clean it before you start or directly after make sure you do so.
If you follow the simple basic tips it can help to prevent dryer fires.