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Dryer Fires Can Cause Significant Fire Damage Near You
1/3/2022 (Permalink)
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Tips for Avoiding Fire Damage Caused by a Dryer Fire
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) research reveals that “One-third (32 percent) of dryer fires were caused by a failure to clean. This appears to be mainly lint build-up, as 27 percent of dryer fires started when dust, fiber, or lint ignited. Mechanical failures or malfunctions caused 27% of dryer fires; 16% were caused by electrical failures or malfunctions.”
A dryer fire can cause significant fire damage in Madison, WI, homes - tips to help homeowners proactively prevent a fire from breaking out in the laundry room.
- Clean the lint out of the dryer’s lint filter after every load.
Lint accumulation causes over one-fourth of dryer fires. Clean the lint filter after each load to prevent lint accumulation from igniting.
- When cleaning chemical stains, use caution.
Fabric with oil, gas, or cleaning chemicals stains are flammable substances that should be regarded as a potential fire hazard. Consumer Reports writes, “The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends washing such stained clothing more than once to minimize volatile chemicals, then hanging to dry. If you must use a dryer, use the lowest heat setting and a drying cycle that concludes with a cool-down period. In the event that a fire does start, keep the dryer door closed to limit its oxygen supply—a fire needs oxygen to keep it going.”
- Perform an annual cleaning and inspection of the dryer and dryer duct.
To avoid blockages in the vent or duct, it’s important to clean and inspect the dryer at least once a year. By cleaning and inspecting the dryer at least once a year, the homeowner can identify and resolve any problems before they lead to a damaged appliance or a fire.
It’s important to disconnect the dryer from its power source, and to cut off the gas valve that supplies the dryer before cleaning and inspecting is done. Do not damage the gas line or stretch it too tightly if it’s a gas dryer.
Consumer Reports provides the following dryer cleaning tips: “Disconnect the duct from the dryer, and vacuum both the dryer and the duct—as much as you can access. Where possible, separate the duct into shorter sections for better access, then reassemble and attach the duct to the dryer. Be sure all joints in the duct are properly connected and held together with clamps or foil tape. Then return the dryer to its original spot and reconnect the power. While you’re at it, clean behind the dryer and underneath it—lint builds up there, too. In winter, check after windy weather or snowstorms to be sure that snow isn’t blocking the outdoor vent.”
- Replace plastic or foil accordion ducts with rigid metal ducts.
Accordion ducts are problematic because they are too flexible or can easily crumple, leading to problems such as restricted airflow and lint buildup. A rigid metal duct is a safer choice.
- Avoid using sheet metal screws to connect duct sections.
Sheet metal screws can collect lint, which leads to lint buildup within the duct. Instead, attach duct sections with duct connectors and metal clamps or dryer vent foil tape.
- Prequalify a reputable damage restoration company before a dryer fire occurs.
SERVPRO of Dane County West has the specialized fire and water damage restoration training, IICRC certifications, and equipment to respond immediately and to quickly restore your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Combining rapid response, the utmost professionalism, and open communication, we strive to restore not only the home or business but to restore peace of mind as well.
As a locally owned and operated company, we also live and work in the Dane County, WI area. We have helped many families through difficult fire losses and have restored damaged houses back to homes again.