Should I Really Be Concerned with Removing Dryer Lint?

5/15/2020 (Permalink)

Don't forget to remove lint in your dryer!

SERVPRO Says Absolutely!

An estimated 2,900 residential fires per year identify a dryer issue like lint or electrical malfunction as their cause. According to FEMA, 34% of fires are caused by failure to clean and cause an estimated 5 deaths, 100 injuries and $35 million in property loss. Who knew that cleaning the lint from your dryer could save lives, create a safer home environment and prevent stressful and costly  fire damage.

Here’s How Dryers Work

A clothes dryer works by forcing hot air through a turning drum. The wet clothes then pass through the drum to be dried by the hot air. Most wet clothes contain one and half gallons of water. While most of the lint goes into the lint filter some of lint is carried through the vent system along with moist air.  Lint is a very combustible material that can accumulate both in the dryer and in the dryer vent. Accumulated lint leads to reduced airflow and can be a potential fire hazard.

Here are some tips to keep your dryer clean:

• Have your dryer cleaned and installed by a professional. 
• Do not use your dryer with a lint filter. 
• Make sure you clean the lint filter before and after every load of wash.
• Make sure the air exhaust vent pipe is not restricted and the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is operating.
• Make sure the right plug and outlet are used and that the machine is connected properly.  
• Don't leave the house when the dryer is on. 
• If your clothes are not drying then call a professional to come look at your dryer. 

Call SERVPRO of Reading at (610) 779-8189 for 24/7 service. We proudly serve Boyertown, Exeter, and surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Learn more about Reading.