Clothes Dryer Vents

12/14/2021 (Permalink)

Clean out the dryer vent on a regular schedule to avoid build up of lint.

Accourding to the U.S. Fire Adminstration 2,900 home clothes dryer fires are reported each year and cause an estimated 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss.  

Here are some tips to help clean and maintain the safety of your clothes dryer.

Cleaning

• Clean the lint filter before and after each load of laundry. Don’t forget to clean the back of the dryer where lint can build up. In addition, clean the lint filter with a nylon brush at least every six months or more often if it becomes clogged.
• Clean lint out of the vent pipe every three months.

Maintenance

• Inspect the venting system behind the dryer to ensure it is not damaged or restricted.
• Put a covering on outside wall dampers to keep out rain, snow and dirt.
• Make sure the outdoor vent covering opens when the dryer is on.
• Check regularly to make sure nests of small animals and insects are not blocking the outside vent.
• Keep the area around the clothes dryer free of items that can burn.
• If you will be away from home for an extended time, unplug or disconnect the dryer.

Clothes dryer don’t's

• Don’t use a clothes dryer without a lint filter or with a lint filter that is loose, damaged or clogged.
• Don’t overload the dryer.
• Don’t use a wire screen or cloth to cover the wall damper. They can collect lint and clog the dryer vent.
• Don’t leave a clothes dryer running if you leave home or when you go to bed.

Hopefully these tips will keep you and your home safe from a clothes dryer fire.  If do experience a fire, give SERVPRO of Grand Traverse Area a call and we'll help restore you property to preloss conditions.