When most people think of household fire hazards, they think of things like a cooking fire. However, household dryers contribute to thousands of house fires each year. By taking action to prevent clogged dryer vents, you can greatly lower your family’s risk.
The Danger of Dryer Vent Clogs
Dryer vents are used to expel hot air from the dryer. Over time, however, these vents will accumulate lint, pieces of tissue, and other materials that aren’t caught by the dryer’s lint trap. As these materials build up over time, they can eventually block the vent entirely. The trapped heat could then cause the lint to catch on fire.
How to Clean the Dryer Vent
If your dryer feels hot to the touch during operation, produces a musty odor, or fails to adequately dry clothing, the dryer vent likely needs to be cleaned. To do this, unplug your dryer and pull it away from the wall. Disconnect the dryer vent using a screwdriver and carefully pull the excess lint out. Unscrew the outdoor dryer vent cap and pull out any lint from that end. Reattach the dryer vent and run the dryer for a few minutes before reattaching the exterior vent cover.
By performing this routine care for your dryer, you can greatly reduce your risk of a house fire. If you do suffer loss from a fire, contact your Pike Mutual agent right away. By processing your claim in a timely manner, you can get the repairs your property needs and get things back in order.