How To Prevent a Lint Fire in Your Dryer

7/8/2022 (Permalink)

Avoid Fire Damage and Prevent a Lint Fire in Your Dryer by Following These Tips.

Lint in your dryer is not just a mere annoyance. It could also cause a lint fire that destroys your house That is why you should frequently clean the lint from your dryer. Removing the lint from the dryer screen is not enough. You also should do deep cleans of the vents and the interior. To keep your dryer functioning well and free of lint, all you need is:

• All-Purpose cleaner
• Vacuum
• Water
• Microfiber cloth

Prevent Dryer Fire by Eliminating Lint After Each Load

Whenever you finish running a dryer cycle, you should check the lint screen. Depending on the model you have, the screen could be on the side of the dryer, on the bottom of the door or at the top of appliance. You should be able to completely remove the screen by pulling it from the handle. Be careful not to pull too hard. If you bend the screen, you may not be able to get it back into the dryer.

After the screen is out of the dryer, use your hands or a brush to gather a small wad of lint. Rub this wad across the screen to attract additional lint. Then simply throw the lint into the garbage.

You may also want to rinse the lint screen with water every few weeks. Simply run the screen under the kitchen sink. You could additionally utilize soap if there is excess dust on the screen.

Before you put the screen back into the dryer, use your vacuum attachment to clean any lint that has accumulated in the vent. This should further keep your home safe from lint fire.

Deep Clean the Vents and Interior for Extra Fire Safety

Since a dryer fire can start in the interior sections of the appliance, you should deep clean these areas twice a year, as well. Unplug the machine and move it away from the wall. You should notice an exhaust hose. You can remove it by loosening the clamps with a screwdriver.

Next, take the hose to a well-lit area. Use a vacuum attachment or cleaning brush to remove any lint balls you see. You can then utilize a cleaning rod to eliminate lint from the vent in the wall.

After re-attaching the exhaust hose, you should also brush or vacuum the dryer vent on the outside of your home. Be sure to put the vent securely back in place. Otherwise, rodents or other pests could enter your home.

The entire interior of your dryer should be deep cleaned biannually, as well. Start by removing the back access panel. Wipe or vacuum any exposed sections, including the area around the exhaust vent. Just be careful when touching any of the wires near the vent. If you opt to clean the metal parts of the dryer, use a microfiber cloth. Once you are done, screw the panel back into place.

The above tips should keep your dryer functioning properly and reduce your chances of a lint fire. If your dryer or another appliance ever does cause fire damage to your home, emergency restoration professionals can assist you.

Our SERVPRO Professionals are highly trained in property restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO's Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, our Professionals are equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. The SERVPRO training program includes, but not limited to, the following:

• IICRC Training
• Employee Certification Training
• Initial Franchise Training
• e-Learnings
• Continuing Education Classes

For your fire damage needs call SERVPRO of Greeley/Windsor, 970-353-1388.