subject: Tips to prevent Clothes dryer fire Hazards [print this page] Tips to prevent Clothes dryer fire Hazards
Fire Equipment: Clothes dryers are the common culprit of house fires, though it may surprising you but this is the true fact. In the same way you uphold your dishwasher, oven, and fireplace by keeping them clean and free of debris and other items that may inhibit their use, your clothes dryer deserves that same attention. Here we have given some tips on maintaining your dryer to prevent unfortunate house fires,
Clean the dryer's lint trap after every use. This also helps your dryer run more efficiently, saving you a bit on your energy bills.
Vacuum your dryer hose. After unplugging your dryer, detach the hose from the wall, and use a long brush or vacuum hose to remove lint and dust inside the hose. Most lint will build up near the end of the hose, so it should be easy to remove the debris. Once the cleaning is done, reattach the hose, and push the dryer back toward the wall. Make sure to leave some space between the wall and the dryer for proper ventilation and to ensure the dryer runs at tip top efficiency.
Pay attention to the changes in your dryer's running habits. If you notice that your drying times are increasing or your dryer is making any noises out of the ordinary, it may be time to have a professional come check it out.
Ensure sufficient air flow around the dryer to avoid trapped air being overheated. Do not block air flow from under the dryer with laundry, a thick rug or other obstruction.
Don't let socks go missing! Socks and other small items (including dryer sheets) can often become stuck in lint traps, causing them to burn. Items that fall between the dryer and the wall can also become a fire hazard, so if you've misplaced any items, check in and around your dryer to see if they've become wedged somewhere that might cause a fire.
Never store explosive chemicals, such as cleaning products, paint, oil or gas near the dryer.
Never leave your dryer running while you are not at home, this is the single most important thing you can do to avert a dryer fire. The best way to keep a fire from overtaking your home is to catch it before it gets out of hand. If a dryer fire does break out, get yourself, your family, and your pets out of the house, and call emergency services to come put out the fire.
