Dryer Fire Prevention Tips: Do's and Don'ts for Your Lafayette Home

5/5/2021 (Permalink)

Avoiding a Dryer Fire in Your Lafayette Home

Dryer fires are one of the leading causes of fires reported each year. Dryer fires are much more common than many think. It’s essential to understand what causes dryer fires and how to prevent them from happening in your own home with so much at stake. Safeguard your home and follow the dryer dos and don’ts from the experts at SERVPRO of Lafayette/Moraga/Orinda.

DO: Clean the Lint Filter

Remember to clean the lint trap every time you unload the dryer. Before loading the next set of clothing, ensure the lint trap is completely cleared out to lower your fire risk. A clean lint filter enables the dryer to run more efficiently, making dryer your clothes faster while also hindering your machine from overheating.

DON’T: Dry Clothes without the Lint Filter

Without a lint trap in the dryer, it only allows for accidents to happen. The filter protects the dryer’s mechanics from collecting lint. If this defensive shield is absent, a buildup of lint in the ducts can quickly lead to a dryer vent fire. To lower your risk for potential fires, always use your dryer with the lint trap in its proper place.

DO: Inspect the Ducts Regularly

Blocked ducts commonly cause dryer fires. Ensure your dryer is running correctly, check your ducts monthly to make sure there are no blockages. If you notice any blockages, clean them out before turning on your dryer again. To clean your ducts, disconnect them, clear them out, and reconnect them. If you witness any damage to the venting system, call a professional to repair the issue.

DON’T: Overload the dryer

Loading too many wet clothes or bedding into a dryer can accumulate an excessive amount of lint. Because lint buildup hinders a dryer’s ability to ventilate, that can cause the machine to overheat and create a fire.

DO: Replace Outdated Ducts

Older ducts made of plastic or foil are prone to sagging, interfering with the machine’s proper functioning. Accordion-style ducts can trap lint in hard-to-reach spaces, increasing your risk of fire. To prevent this, replace your older ducts with newer models designed with industrial-strength metal.

DON’T: Leave the Dryer Running Unattended

Be sure to never go to sleep or leave the house while your dryer is running. If a fire breaks out, your ability to extinguish it or call emergency services right away can significantly impact the damage caused and can lead to the total loss of your home.

Despite our best efforts as homeowners, accidents still happen. If your home has been damaged by fire and smoke, call SERVPRO of Lafayette/Moraga/Orinda. Our residential fire and smoke damage restoration services can help get your life back to normal as quickly as possible. With the proper training, innovative equipment, and helpful guidance, our expert technicians will be with you every step of the way to get you back on your feet.