How To Prevent a Lint Fire

12/31/2020 (Permalink)

Scrape the lint off the screen after each load of laundry

Three Ways To Prevent A Laundry Room Fire

A lint fire, or any type of dryer fire, at your Edmond, OK, home can cause serious damage. Fortunately, a little preventive maintenance minimizes the risk. 

1. Clean the Lint Trap
In your dryer, there is a screen that traps lint. Scrape the lint off the screen after each load of laundry. To make doing so more convenient, keep a small trash can in the laundry room and make it a habit to clean the lint trap before removing the clothes from the dryer.

2. Clean the Dryer Duct
Another key aspect of preventing a lint fire is regularly cleaning out the dryer duct. The duct is generally located at the back of the dryer and goes through the wall to a vent on the outside. Some dryers have sensors on them that will alert you when the duct is blocked. Even still, it is important to check for yourself. With the dryer turned on, go outside to the vent and make sure the air is coming out normally. If not, it is time to clean the duct. Even if the air seems to be flowing normally, clean the duct at least once a year.
Disconnect the power to the dryer, and shut off the gas valve if necessary. Carefully pull the dryer forward, being mindful of any gas lines. Disconnect the duct from the dryer’s exhaust vent. Then vacuum out the vent and the duct. You can also use a stiff brush to remove the buildup.

3. Upgrade the Dryer Duct
The ideal dryer duct is rigid metal. Flexible varieties can lose their shape over time and allow lint to build up. Remember not to use sheet metal screws when connecting sections of ductwork because the screws can trap lint.
Fortunately, a professional restoration service can help you repair fire damage after a lint fire. However, it is easier to perform a little routine maintenance and prevent such a fire in the first place.