Dryer Vent Fire Safety

1/28/2020 (Permalink)

When it comes to home fires, sometimes we overlook the simple solutions that can prevent such a disaster.  One cause of home fires that can easily be prevented is a clogged dryer vent.  According to the National Fire Protection Association, about 17,000 dryer fires occur each year with dryer vents that are full of lint being the leading cause for these fires.  Lint can become highly flammable if left to collect.  Therefore, it is critical to clean your dryer vent regularly.

You should clean your dryer vents if your clothing doesn’t dry after a normal drying cycle or if a musty odor is left behind in your clothes.  If you notice excessive heat in the clothes or laundry room, debris is in the outside dryer vent opening, or you have a large amount of lint built up after each cycle, these are also signs of a clogged dryer vent.

To ensure the safety of your home, dryer vents should be inspected and cleaned at least once a year.  To clean a dryer vent:

• Remove the outside cover on the vent and use a lint brush with an extendable handle to clean the inside of the pipe. 
• You can also use an air compressor or vacuum with an extendable brush to blow out the lint.
•  The lint must be removed throughout the entire length of the vent.
• Inspect the area around the dryer and remove any lint so it does not end up back in the dryer.

 Hiring a professional is also an option for cleaning your dryer vents.  At SERVPRO of Cecil County, our cleaning and restoration professionals specialize in restoring and repairing properties after a fire damage event.  But our team is also here to help prevent fires from happening in the first place.  We offer dryer vent cleanings to our local homeowners and businesses in order to prevent a much larger problem in the future.  Call us today to learn more!