You may be surprised to learn that, according to the National Fire Protection Association, clothes dryers cause nearly 14,000 home fires every year in the U.S. Fires can start when lint builds up in the dryer or the exhaust duct and block the airflow. Once the airflow is constricted, heat buildup can result in a fire.
About 27 percent of these fires are caused by an accumulation of lint, which means that not cleaning out your dryer vent can set you up for a dangerous situation that’s far more serious than the drop in performance caused by constricting a dryer’s ductwork.
9 Ways to Prevent a Dryer Fire
1. Clean the dryer lint screen/filter before drying a load of clothes. If your clothes are still damp after the drying cycle is complete, or the drying cycle is taking too long, this may be a sign of blocked airflow.
2. Clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct to the exterior of the home once a year. Check the exhaust vent on the exterior wall to make sure is functioning properly. This vent on the exterior wall, called the termination, should be free of lint. Do not use a flapper or screen at the termination.
3. Check the airflow coming out of the termination while the dryer is running. You should feel significant airflow. If you do not, the duct system may be partially blocked If blocked, have your ducts inspected and properly cleaned.
4. If your dryer ducts are not blocked, but the airflow is weak, it could also be an indication that your duct system may be too long. Check the User’s Guide to be sure the duct is at the correct length.
5. Keep the area around the dryer and beneath the dryer clear of lint build-up.
6. Do not store flammable materials around or beneath your dryer.
7. If you have a plastic accordion type duct connectors from the dryer to your wall, consider replacing with a metal duct.
8. Ducts to the exterior of your home should slope slightly downward (no dips) to discourage water collection, which leads to lint build-up.
9. When drying fabric that was soiled with flammable chemicals like gasoline, stains, cleaning agents, etc., be sure the chemicals have been thoroughly washed out of the fabric. Wash material more than once before drying, and then dry using the low setting.