Prevent Lint Fires by Cleaning Your Dryer Vent

5/11/2018 (Permalink)

Preventing a lint fire is not exclusive to indoor tasks. Precautions should be taken outside as well.

A home clothes dryer fire can be an expensive disaster. There are 2,990 such fires reported in the U.S. annually. These preventable fires cause over $35 million in property damage each year. You may be certain that this could never happen to you, especially if you have top-of-the-line equipment, but your dryer vent could put you at risk. Being proactive by learning how often your dryer vent should be cleaned will keep your home in Mesa, AZ, safe. Here are three tips for properly maintaining a safe dryer.

1. Be Consistent

You can easily prevent a lint fire by cleaning your vent often. This simple task can save you a lot of money and heartache. Make it a habit to check the vent every time you do a load of laundry. It is also important to not neglect the back of the dryer, as it is an easy place for lint to build up over time. If cleaning by hand is not doing the trick, use a nylon brush for a more thorough clean.

2. Take the Extra Steps

It is important to take every precaution in regards to keeping your home safe. Less frequent but more intensive dryer cleaning tasks such as snaking the dryer exhaust every three months and regularly having the dryer professionally cleaned are important. It is also a good idea to unplug your washer and dryer if you will be away from your home for more than a week. You should have the number of the nearest fire restoration company on hand in the event that a fire does occur.

3. Check Outside, Too

Preventing a lint fire is not exclusive to indoor tasks. Precautions should be taken outside as well. Make sure that elements such as rain and snow do not damage your dryer by putting a covering on outside wall dampers. It is also important to make sure that outdoor vents do not get blocked by insect or animal nests. Use these tips to reduce the chance of a lint fire in your Mesa, AZ, home. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROmesaeast.com/.