Dryer Fire Prevention Tips

Dryer problems cause thousands of fires every year. According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), the leading cause of dryer fires is a failure to clean. Over the years, we’ve responded to numerous fire-damaged homes, many of which cited the home's dryer as the fire's source. Mechanical failure is the second leading cause of dryer fires, which can be just as devastating (NFPA).

Routine maintenance is essential for extending the life of your appliance, reducing energy usage, and ensuring safety. Not only will your clothes dry faster, saving you time and money, but regular maintenance will also significantly reduce the likelihood of a fire. Here are seven tips that will help keep your home and family safe and prevent dryer fire damage.

What Causes a Dryer Fire?

1. Clean the Lint Trap: Always clean the lint trap before and after each load of laundry. Lint buildup is one of the quickest ways to start a fire, as lint is highly flammable and can easily ignite from the heat produced by the dryer.
2. Vacuum Regularly: Regularly vacuum the lint and debris from the damper, exhaust ducting, and inside your dryer. It may be time for a deep clean if you notice that it takes longer than usual to dry a load of clothing or if the clothes come out hotter than normal. Lint can accumulate in hidden areas, creating a significant fire hazard.
3. Avoid Overloading: Don't overload the dryer with clothes. Overloading takes longer for the load to dry and puts additional strain on the appliance, potentially causing it to overheat. An overheated dryer is more likely to cause a fire.
4. Supervise the Dryer: Never run the dryer when you are not home or sleeping. If a fire starts and you’re not around to address it immediately, the damage can be extensive before help arrives. It's crucial to be present to monitor the dryer’s operation.
5. Check Electrical Connections: Electrical issues are also a contributing cause of dryer fires. Plug only the dryer into its outlet to avoid overloading the circuit. Overloading can cause the circuit to overheat, creating a potential fire hazard. The same principle applies to all major appliances.
6. Inspect Venting Tubes: Check venting tubes for cracks and leaks that could decrease the airflow. Proper ventilation is crucial for the safe operation of your dryer. Blockages or leaks in the venting system can cause overheating and increase fire risk.
7. Clear Exterior Vents: Keep the exterior vent and damper clear of landscaping debris and snow buildup. Blockages can restrict airflow and cause the dryer to overheat, causing a potential fire hazard. 

What to Do If Your Dryer Catches on Fire

If your dryer catches on fire, it is crucial to act quickly and safely. First, turn off the dryer and unplug it if it is safe. Next, evacuate everyone from the house and close the door to the laundry room to contain the fire. Do not attempt to open the dryer door, as this can feed the fire with more oxygen. Call 911 immediately to report the fire and get assistance from the fire department. If the fire is small and contained, you can use a fire extinguisher to try to put it out, but only if you are confident in your ability to do so safely. Once the fire is extinguished, avoid using the dryer until it has been inspected and repaired by a professional. After any fire incident, it is essential to contact a fire damage restoration service to assess and repair any damage caused by the fire, smoke, or water used to extinguish the flames. In Massachusetts, ServiceMaster Dynamic Cleaning provides expert fire damage restoration services to help you recover quickly and efficiently.

To prevent dryer fire damage, regularly clean and maintain your appliances. But if the worst does happen, ServiceMaster Dynamic Cleaning is here to help. We provide fire damage restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Our professional expertise, technology, and resources enable us to clean and restore your property after a fire. If you need assistance or have experienced fire damage, call us at 800.865.5157 or contact us now.