Preventing Dryer Vent Fires

4/26/2020 (Permalink)

15,000 fires are sparked every year by clothes dryers.

More than 15,000 fires are sparked every year by clothes dryers according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Lint and other debris can build up in your dryer vent, reducing airflow to the dryer, backing up dryer exhaust gases, creating a fire hazard.

Here are some of the signs that it's time to clean your vent:

• Clothing does not dry completely after a normal drying cycle.
• Drying time for clothing takes longer than 35 to 40 minutes in duration.
• A musty odor is noticed in the clothing following the drying cycle.
• Clothing seems unusually hot to the touch after a complete drying cycle.
• The dryer vent hood flap does not properly open as it is designed to do during the operation of the dryer.
• Debris is noticed within the outside dryer vent opening.
• Excessive heat is noticed within the room in which the dryer is being operated.
• Large amounts of lint accumulate in the lint trap for the dryer during operation.
• A visible sign of lint and debris is noticed around the lint filter for the dryer.
• Excessive odor is noticed from dryer sheets that are used during the drying cycle.

Clean your dryer vents regularly and keep an eye out for these signs in case you need a professional dryer vent cleaning to decrease your risk of fire.

If you do experience a fire, smoke, or soot damage call SERVPRO of Marshfield/Rockland at (781) 834-7707.