Dryer Vents

7/13/2022 (Permalink)

Home dryer fires can cost millions of dollars in property loss and can even cause injury or death. To reduce the risk of these fires happening in your home, SERVPRO of West Concord can help clean dryer vents and ducts that may have lint buildup. For more information on cleaning dryer vents, contact SERVPRO of West Concord at 925-681-9093.

Clothes Dryer Safety Tips

A leading cause of dryer fires in homes is the lack of dryer maintenance. Homeowners are reminded to take the following precautions:

Always:

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the safe use of the dryer.
• Inspect and clean the lint screen after each load of laundry. The build-up of lint can lead to a fire. Regularly remove lint from metal ducts and exhaust vents. The inside of the dryer cabinet should be cleaned as per manufacturer’s instructions.
• Regularly inspect the air exhaust to ensure it is not restricted and the outdoor vent flap opens when the dryer is operating.
• Turn the dryer off if you leave home or when you go to bed.
• Keep the area around the dryer clear of items that can burn.
• Install a carbon monoxide alarm in your home if using a natural gas or propane dryer.
• Ensure there are working smoke alarms on every storey of the home and outside all sleeping areas.

Do Not:

• Overload the dryer.
• Exhaust the dryer indoors.
• Dry materials or fabrics that have been saturated by chemicals, oils or gasoline (e.g. mops and towels and cloths saturated with wax, flammable solvents or vegetable oils). Even after washing, these substances can start a fire during the drying cycle.
• Dry natural or synthetic rubber, rubber-coated sneakers, galoshes, foam pillows or any garment with foam padding (e.g. blouses with shoulder pads, bras, bicycle shorts)
• Dry garments that have been cleaned with dry-cleaning fluid.
• Use a dryer without a lint filter, or with a lint filter that is loose, damaged or clogged.

Source: Ontario Ministry of Community Safety & Correctional Services