One of the leading causes of house fires can be linked directly to clothes dryers. Electric dryers are more likely to cause a fire than gas dryers, but both pose a danger if not properly cleaned and maintained. Dryer vent maintenance can not only help prevent fire but can also save money on utility costs.
One of the reasons that clothes dryers often cause house fires is that they are not properly vented. As well they need to be cleaned regularly. Dryer vent cleaning and maintenance can save your life and the life of your dryer.
Dryer Vent Maintenance Tips
First, you need to know how to tell if you need to perform dryer vent maintenance. Here are the telltale signs that your dryer vent system may be clogged:
- Clothes are slightly wet at the end of the cycle and/or take longer to dry than usual
- Clothes are hotter than usual after drying
- You notice increased humidity and/or a burning smell in the laundry area.
- The outside of the dryer itself is hotter than usual.
- An increase in your gas/electric bill
Here are some tips to promote dryer vent safety and air quality for Canadian homeowners.
-
Regularly Clean Exhaust Ducts and the Dryer Vent Regularly
While your dryer is operating, carefully examine the outside vent to see whether the exhaust air is passing out through the vent. It might be due to a blockage in the exhaust duct if you do not feel a strong air discharge.
Remind the exhaust duct from the dryer and carefully inspect it to remove any blockages. If you notice any lint build-up, safely and carefully clean the exhaust duct. Finally, reconnect the exhaust duct to the outside vent and dryer properly before you turn on the clothes dryer.
-
Clean the Dryer Lint Screen Every Time You Use the Dryer
If you notice that the lint screen in your dryer accumulates more lint than usual, it could signify that your vent system needs to be cleaned. You should clean your lint trap after every use to prevent build-up. You should also double-check to make sure it is cleaned before each use. You must also vacuum the housing cavity of the lint trap monthly or bi-monthly if you use your dryer quite frequently.
-
Frequently Clean Both Under and Behind the Dryer Itself
Dryer lint can easily build up behind the clothes dryer, which is a fire hazard, so keeping that area clean and full of dirt and debris is critical. Having that area cleaned professionally at least once a year is also a good idea.
-
Regularly Inspect the Dryer Ducting and Make Any Necessary Repairs or Replacements
Inspect the dryer ducting regularly to ensure everything is properly working. Replace damaged units, such as metal foil or plastic accordion ductwork, as this can be quite dangerous. In some areas, plastic and metal foil are not approved for safety reasons. This material is more susceptible to crushing and kinks, leading to air discharge and fire.
-
Do not Place Items That Have Been Exposed to VOCs in Your Dryer!
Items that are soiled with or have been exposed to cleaning agents, cooking oils, stains, finishing oils, or gasoline (otherwise known as VOCs or volatile organic compounds) should never be placed in the dryer, as these are a fire hazard.
Wash any clothes that are contaminated more than once to help eliminate VOCs, and let them air dry instead of drying them in your clothes dryer. Do not place these items on top of the dryer or pile them in a laundry basket near the dryer.
For more information about DRVC, you should contact the manufacturer of your clothes dryer. You can also consult your local cleaning company to schedule them to come out to clean your dryer vents at least once a year. Residential vent cleaning can lower your utility costs, prolong the life of your dryer, and, most importantly, help prevent house fires!