Why SERVPRO? Helping Prevent Dryer Fires

9/12/2019 (Permalink)

If you notice your dryer is not functioning properly, you should act immediately. Your Terre Haute, IN, home is at risk of fire when the dryer cannot properly redistribute heat. Proper dryer maintenance and cleaning protects your home from the danger of a lint fire.

Know the Symptoms of a Dryer Vent Clog.

There are several telltale signs that you should clean and inspect your dryer:

• Unusually long time for clothes to dry
• Clothes much hotter than they used to
• A burning smell
• Lint spilling out of the hose

These warning signs mean you should immediately stop using the dryer and clean it. Running the dryer when it shows any of these signs could cause a dryer fire.

Remove Excess Lint From the Lint Trap.

Depending on the model, you should be able to find a lint screen on the bottom, top or side of the dryer. The screen may come out fully but should not be forced out.

Once you have the screen out as far as it’ll go, lint can be cleaned up using your hands, a brush or vacuum. The lint needs to be fully removed from the sheet to prevent a potential lint fire. Before putting the screen back, it’s advised to vacuum out the empty lint trap area.

Check the Exhausts for Lint.

After disconnecting the dryer and removing the exhaust hose from the wall, the hose should be checked for any lint. If there is lint, a lengthy cleaning brush tool from a vent cleaning kit should be snaked through and back to fish up any lint until no more comes out.

If there is an exterior vent in your home, it is good practice to regularly clean its screen of lint too.

Prepare for the Worst Regardless.

Your home can be protected from a lint fire, but fire damage always needs a plan. A local fire restoration company can assist you with a fire and should be kept as an emergency contact. Thankfully, cleaning the dryer regularly saves you from fire damage to worry about.

For more information, please visit us at http://www.SERVPROvigocounty.com/.