Since doing laundry is a regular part of most people’s schedules, it’s critical to know how to keep dryer fires from breaking out. The frequency with which we use a washing machine and dryer for clothing ranges from weekly to daily, depending on family size. What would happen if your clothes dryer caught fire?
There might be thousands of dollars in damages if something breaks or catches fire while you’re not there. It is critical to be cautious and to have dryer fire safety procedures in place. The key way to avoid these problems is to ensure your dryer is safe in case of a fire.
Is there a specific time or method that dryer fires typically begin?
According to reports, approximately one-third of dryer fires are blamed on excess lint. If your clothing is taking longer to dry than usual, is growing hotter than usual, or you are experiencing other similar concerns, contact a maintenance specialist for assistance. If you have a house fire, this might save your life and your house.
However, you can do numerous things to help prevent and avoid dryer fires. Read on to learn how to prevent or eliminate this fire hazard.
What Danger Does a Noisy Dryer Pose?
When a dryer makes annoying squeaking noises, it usually means that a component has worn out and needs replacing. As a result, there is a risk involved. It’s imperative to track down the source of the squeak and fix it before it causes any mishaps.
What exactly is dryer lint?
Dryer lint is a mixture of hair and fabric particles that accumulate in your exhaust opening. The clog can be seen in the vent that leads outside the dryer and needs to be cleared out frequently. Getting too close to the heating element inside your dryer could lead to a serious fire.
Is it possible for dryer lint to start a fire?
A dryer lint fire can ignite if the vent is not cleaned regularly. Check your dryer exhaust vent whenever you run a load of laundry to avoid lint buildup. Whenever you do laundry, clear up the lint in the exhaust vent.
Is it possible for an electric dryer to catch fire?
Electric dryers can catch fire. Overheating is the leading cause of electric dryer fires. A fire could start overheating your dryer or leave the door open. Electric dryers are designed to heat up quickly and overheat easily. Moreover, they have a fan that brings uncomfortable heat to the space.
What About the Fire Hazard Presented by Gas Dryers?
Gas dryers differ from electric dryers because they feature gas lines, greatly reducing the fire risk. If you’ve ever used a gas dryer, you know they’re not the same as electric dryers. They warm the air in the room and the garments you have on. Older homes typically include gas dryers, although their pipes are likely fragile. If one of those pipes fails, gas can escape into the residence, potentially resulting in a gas dryer fire.
What are the locations of my dryer vents?
Begin by inspecting the back of your dryer to determine the location of your dryer vents. On both sides, dryers have a vent hole in the upper left-hand corner. The dryer vent usually escapes via an outside wall and enters through an internal wall behind the dryer.
How to Stop a Dryer Vent Fire
Turning off the dryer’s power is the first thing you should do if you suspect a problem with the vent. Please remember to clean out your dryer’s vent. Clean your dryer vent with a nonflammable cleanser, such as water. Avoid using combustible items near your dryer, such as gasoline. If a candle is lit, it might ignite.
There are some common causes of dryer fires, and knowing how to avoid them may assist. These basic precautions can help you keep your house secure.
Use your dryer without a lint filter.
You risk starting a fire if you use your dryer without a lint filter. It is required for your dryer to function properly. As a result, your clothes will dry more quickly and safely, and there will be considerably less risk of a fire occurring during each dry cycle. Remember that it can also catch fire from lint if you don’t clear it out properly!
Clean the lint trap in the dryer regularly.
Before each use, you should inspect and clean the lint trap. Examine the lint trap if your dryer isn’t heating up properly or making strange noises. If the problem persists, a professional handyperson can inspect the dryer vent pipe for lint buildup if you’d rather have someone else do it.
Toss your dryer lint into the compost bin if the items you’re drying are composed of natural fibres.
Keep the dryer off when you leave the house.
Leaving your dryer on while you leave the house is not a good idea. Turn off your dryer when you are not present. If your dryer catches fire, it can burn down your house and wreak tens of thousands of dollars in damage. It is rather than just requiring a brand-new dryer.
Inspect the dryer’s vents and ducts regularly.
To prevent dryer fires, make it a practice to inspect the metal ducts and dryer vents monthly. If you discover any obstructions in the ducts or vents, hire a professional to clean them or replace them if necessary. Otherwise, you risk starting a fire.
The symptoms of a blocked dryer vent should also be well known. These are some examples:
– Garments take longer to dry
– Check the visible vents within and outside of the dryer for dust and lint
– Dryer and clothes are getting hotter than usual
– Burning odour
– Lint accumulation in dryer vents can eventually lead to a fire.
Keep Fire Risks at Bay
Keep all flammable things away from the dryer. Keep them safely stored, so they don’t get knocked into the dryer during natural wear and use.
Don’t overburden your dryer.
Refrain from stuffing your dryer. Overloading generates excessive heat, increasing the risk of a fire. When you overload your dryer, excessive lint might accumulate and prevent the dryer from properly venting. As a heating element, a drying machine cannot breathe at or above capacity and is more likely to cause a fire. See a professional or consult the owner’s manual if you need clarification on how much your dryer can take.
How to Extinguish a Dryer Fire
Fire is likely to have begun if you smell smoke, hear popping, or see flames coming from your dryer. If you suspect a fire, do not open the door. If you open the door, you could get carbon monoxide poisoning or burn your hand. Instead, call for help and quickly evacuate the house, or if you are confident that you can contain the fire, follow these methods for putting out a clothes dryer fire.
1. Put out the fire
Before attempting to relocate anything after a dryer fire, ensure the fire is fully out. To prevent a dryer fire, you will need the following items in your laundry room: A fire extinguisher and a fire blanket are required.
It is vital to keep an eye out for any flames coming from the back of your unit or the vents in the back. Aim low towards the fire’s base and spray from side to side while using a fire extinguisher.
2. Turn off the dryer.
Unplug your dryer after extinguishing the fire, but don’t remove any residual garments or other objects. To discover the source of the fire, an expert must diagnose your dryer. If you suspect that the wall outlet attached to your dryer has been damaged, leave it alone and call a professional. Turn off utilities to the area at the outside source, if available!
3. Leave your house
Exit the washing area. It helps to keep flames from spreading if the fire rekindles.
In the event of a Dryer Fire
Some repairs may be covered by insurance, so verify with your insurance carrier ahead of time. Remember these useful laundry recommendations when you do your laundry this week! Remember that getting dryer maintenance is significantly less expensive than having a dryer fire. Ensure you understand all of the suggested procedures following a fire! Schedule a home inspection with Reztor Restoration today for more information.
