According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the majority of dryer fires were due to lint fires. This means that homeowners in Brookhaven, MS, may reduce their risk of fire damage by performing routine dryer maintenance to clear the dryer’s exhaust system of lint. Here are three steps to remove lint from your dryer’s ventilation system:
1. Clean the lint trap. The most important step in preventing a lint fire is to keep the filter clear. Simply using your hand or a brush to scrape lint from the screen every time you use the dryer. If the lint is stubborn, use your vacuum or spray the screen with water. Let it dry completely before returning the trap to the dryer. Never run the dryer without the lint screen.
2. Clear the flexible vent pipe. Don’t move a gas dryer without consulting a professional. Before you begin cleaning your electric dryer, unplug it from the outlet. The flexible hose behind your dryer rarely gets cleaned and is a common source for a lint fire. Loosen the clamp around the hose, either by squeezing the clamp or removing a screw, and clean out any lint from the interior of the pipe.
3. Brush the ventilation system. Once a year, remove lint inside the pipes to help prevent a dryer fire. Use a long-handled flexible brush to clean out the pipe leading outside as well as the section of pipe in the back of the dryer and around your lint trap. Also, clear the vent flaps on the exterior of your house and watch out for blockages, which are likely from landscaping or snow.
After brushing the vent pipes, run your dryer on a no-heat cycle, to push out any lint you loosened during cleaning. If you need professional help for mitigation and restoration after a lint fire, look for a company that is knowledgeable and experienced in disaster recovery.
