There’s a good reason why preventing dryer fires concerns most Southern Colorado homeowners. As a leading cause of home fires in the United States, dryer fires can be devastating and pose a significant risk to your home and family. Fortunately, you can take simple, preventative steps to ensure your dryer’s safety and reduce the chances of a fire occurring. This article will provide expert tips on preventing dryer fires, so you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your appliance is functioning safely and efficiently.
Clean the Lint Filter Regularly
A leading cause of dryer fires is also the easiest to prevent. A clogged lint filter is highly flammable – lint can easily catch on fire when coming into contact with high temperatures. You can lower your risk of dryer fires by removing lint from the filter after every load. And as a bonus, regularly cleaning the lint filter will also improve the dryer’s efficiency and drying performance.
Clear the Dryer Vent
In addition to cleaning the lint filter, you should regularly clear any accumulated lint or debris in the dryer vent (where the duct, or hose, attaches to the dryer). Over time, lint will accumulate in the dryer vent, restricting proper airflow and increasing the fire risk. To clear, use a vacuum cleaner or vent brush to remove any link or debris from the vent. Including this maintenance cleaning in your regular spring and fall cleaning rotation will go a long way to preventing dryer fires.
Inspect the Dryer Duct
In addition to cleaning the lint filter and dryer vent, include an inspection of the dryer duct, or hose, on your regular springs and fall cleaning schedule. Check for loose or damaged connections, as well as any kinks or bends in the duct that could restrict airflow. Also, examine where the duct connects to the wall to ensure the connection is secure and debris-free. According to the Colorado Springs Fire Department, inspecting your dryer duct is a key step in preventing dryer fires. And as added incentive, doing so also maintains the efficiency of the dryer. If you notice any issues, contact Reliable Appliance Repair to address the problem promptly. 
Avoid Overloading the Dryer
Overloading any of your home appliances will affect their efficiency. But when your clothes dryer is overloaded, the temperature required to dry the clothes is higher. As discussed above, excessive heat can lead to lint igniting inside the dryer. To prevent this, load the dryer with the recommended capacity and avoid overcrowding.
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Keep Flammable Materials Away
This tip for preventing dryer fires should be common sense – keep flammable materials such as cleaning supplies and chemicals away from the dryer. These materials easily catch fire when in contact with high temperatures or sparks. Storing these items on shelving away from the dryer is an easy way to minimize the fire risk.
Install a Smoke Detector
Chances are you have smoke detectors on each level of your home. However, we also recommend installing a smoke detector near or in your laundry area. In the event of a dryer fire, a smoke detector will quickly alert you, allowing you to take immediate action and prevent further damage.
Schedule Professional Dryer Maintenance
Regular dryer maintenance by a professional appliance repair service is essential for preventing dryer fires. A trained technician can inspect and clean the internal components of the dryer that are not accessible to the homeowner, identifying and addressing any potential issues before they escalate into a fire hazard. Reliable Appliance Repair has been helping Southern Colorado homeowners and landlords maintain and repair their dryers and other appliances for almost 25 years. We are standing by for your call with reliable, honest quotes and fast service. Speak with one of our appliance experts today!
