Warning Signs & Symptoms

Dryer lint is so flammable that I use it start fires in our fireplace. If the lint build up in your dryer or dryer vent gets too hot you will become a statistic. Inside Edition reported that over 15,000 homes burnt last year due to dryer fires. What happens is a clogged vent prevents the hot air from escaping.

Signs that your dryer vent needs cleaning :

• Holding your hand to your outside vent you feel very little air flow.
• The vanes on your vent cover barely move when you turn on your dryer
• It takes more than one cycle to dry your clothes
• Clothes come out of the dryer hot and damp
• You see lint building up at your outside vent cover
• The dryer itself gets unusually hot as does the room the dryer is in

Eight things you can do to minimize your chance of having a dryer fire

• Make sure that the exhaust vent is clear
• Do not allow your exhaust hose to become crushed behind the dryer
• Keep the area around the dryer clutter free
• Use only a metal hose to connect the dryer to the vent
• Dry smaller loads, never over stuff your dryer.
• Make sure you clean the lint screen in your dryer after every load.
• The lint screen should be run through the dishwasher or scrubbed with a brush. Over time fabric softener and detergent build up on the lint screen restricting the air flow.
• The dryer should never be left unattended while operating.