• It has been more than 12 months since your last dryer vent cleaning
• Clothes are not completely dry after one cycle
• Clothing has a musty odour when the cycle is complete
• Clothes are unusually hot when the cycle is complete (dryer overheating)
• There is a large amount of lint buildup in the lint screen
Here are some recommendations for preventing dryer fires:
Clean in and around the dryer
Lint is highly combustible. If a large amount accumulates in the dryer vent or air exhaust vent pipe, it can keep hot air from being released, causing your dryer to overheat and triggering sparks which ignite lint or other items inside or around the dryer.
Be sure to clean your dryer’s lint trap before or after each use and remove lint from around the drum. Check the exhaust pipe periodically to make sure it’s not blocked and check the outdoor vent flap for any obstructions. You should also periodically clean underneath and behind the dryer and vacuum your dryer’s motor area a few times each year.
Use metal dryer ducts
Smooth metal is the best material for fire-safe dryer ducts. If the ducts have ridges or are made of foil or plastic, they can get saggy, which creates low points where lint gets trapped. In addition, during a fire, foil or plastic will melt very quickly, whereas a rigid galvanized metal duct is more likely to withstand and contain the flame.
Don’t leave your dryer unattended
With your busy schedule, you may be tempted to leave your dryer running while you step out of the house or go to bed. However, the dryer could malfunction and catch fire at a time when you are least alert or unable to do anything about it. Never leave your dryer unattended.
Call Dryer Vent Wizard of West Michigan today to have your dryer vent cleaned and inspected @ 616-574-0080
