Clothes Dryer Safety

Clothes dryer fires are more common than you might think. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that dryers and washing machines cause an average of 15,970 fires each year, with dryers causing 92% of them and an average of $200 million in property damage. Blocked dryer vents are one of the leading causes of dryer fires. It is challenging to discern when the vents are clogged. Some people are completely unaware that the vents require regular cleaning. However, it is vital to understand that lint accumulates on a grand scale within the hoses, and when it compounds it can create a serious problem. The buildup restricts airflow, which may cause overheating and fire. The most common sources of ignition in dryer fires are household dust and lint. They collect within the dryer cavity, which sits closely to the heating elements. Here, temperatures can reach 550°, which can easily start a fire. Neglecting to clean our your lint filter is something that you should never do. A good habit to adopt during your laundry routine would be to clean the lint screen before and after every drying cycle. For more safety tips click here.