The dryer is an essential and convenient appliance that sees a lot of use–the average family does multiple loads of laundry each week, meaning the dryer gets run upwards of 5 to 8 times. All that use means that your dryer needs regular maintenance to keep it operating correctly; if it breaks down, it could throw a wrench in your laundry for a reasonable amount of time. A common issue that occurs with unmaintained dryers is dryer fires. Each year, nearly 3,000 dryer fires occur throughout the US and cause millions of dollars in damage and injury. Keep your family from the danger of dryer fires with these preventative tips.
Clear the Lint Trap!
More than ⅓ of dryer fires are caused by not properly cleaning the dryer, and a massive part of that is removing built-up lint from the trap. Whether you build a habit of cleaning it (i.e., removing the lint every time you remove a load of laundry) or have to leave reminders for yourself nearby, it’s imperative to do. Lint is highly flammable and can ignite in an instant. Additionally, when the lint trap gets overstuffed, lint can get pushed into the dryer vents and clog them, causing an even bigger issue.
Follow Manufacturer Recommendations
Certain materials can be damaged by the dryer or create dangerous conditions if included in a load of laundry. Carefully read the tags on all your clothes so that you know what can be put into the machine – and what needs to be hung to dry. Read the manual for your dryer to learn how much laundry you can safely put into it. Overstuffing a dryer decreases the efficiency and overworks the rotating system. The manual will also list materials you should not put in a dryer, such as rubber, plastic, or clothes that have come into contact with any flammable liquid. These can melt in the dryer’s heat and create not just a mess but a hazard, which can quickly turn into an electrical fire.
Run It While You’re Home
You cannot stop a problem from developing if you aren’t home. It’s a good idea to be present and awake while running your dryer so that you can interfere if need be. If you notice an issue, immediately flip the breaker powering the dryer off to cut off any electricity, which could exacerbate the problem if there is a chance of fire.
Clean the Dryer Vents
Your dryer vents lead from your dryer to the outside to allow the heat to escape. Over time, lint gets flushed into this vent as well and can build up, making your dryer less efficient and at higher risk for a fire. Have a professional clean out the ducts regularly.
Monitor the Components
Dryers produce a lot of heat, and they are generally crammed into a corner or closet. This means that their electrical cords are prone to being bent, creased, and jostled over time. Regularly check the electrical cord to check for cracks or heat damage. You’ll also want to make sure the cord is properly plugged in. It is recommended that the dryer outlet gets replaced once every ten years or so.
Electrical fires in the home are nearly 100% avoidable. In addition to caring for your dryer, have your electrical systems checked annually for any damage. Call the team at Promise Electric to learn more about scheduling an electrical assessment for your Sarasota home or business.
