While it is easy to forget to clear dryer lint between loads of laundry, this small oversight can have severe consequences. In fact, according to the U.S. Fire Administration, there are approximately 2,900 dryer-related fires each year , accounting for $35 million in property loss, five deaths, and 100 injuries. Additional facts include:
- 34% of people regularly fail to clean their dryers, making it the leading cause of home clothes dryer fires
- Dryer fires occur most prominently in the fall and winter, spiking in January
What is Dryer Lint?
According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, lint is defined as “Fuzz consisting especially of fine ravelings and short fibers of yarn and fabric.” In other words, it is the material that comes off clothing, towels, and other cloth during the drying process. If not regularly emptied between loads, your lint trap could become stuffed with lint to the point of being a hazard. Combined with the friction and heat of a dryer, fires could be triggered during routine laundry duties.
Dryer Vent vs. Lint Trap
Before we get into precautionary tips, it is important to outline the difference between two commonly confused parts of a dryer: a dryer vent, and a lint trap. So, what’s the difference?
This resource on Whirlpool ’s website outlines the internal and external parts of a dryer . According to Whirlpool, a lint trap is “located either on the exterior of the dryer or the inside door opening. It collects lint and debris as it passes through the dryer vent.”
Allwords defines a dryer vent as “A vent connected to a clothes dryer that is used to screen lint and remove exhaust.”
Dryer Lint Fire Prevention Tips
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, the following tips can help prevent dryer lint and other laundry-related fires :
- Every three months, clean lint out of the vent pipe
- Clean behind the dryer where lint can build up
- Use a nylon brush to clean the lint filter every six months (or more often) to prevent clogging
- Have a professional regularly inspect and clean your dryer, especially when it is taking longer than normal to dry
- Unplug or disconnect the dryer if you will be away for an extended period
- Ensure the area surrounding the dryer is free of materials that may catch fire
Furthermore, there are two things you shouldn’t do:
- Do not use a lint filter that is clogged, damaged, or loose
- Do not use a dryer without a lint filter
Ultimately, one of the easiest tips to remember (mentioned at the beginning of this article) bears repeating—clean out your lint trap between each load of laundry, and you will substantially reduce the chance of fire.
- Inspection and fire assessment , where the affected area, along with adjacent rooms, will be evaluated to determine extent of damage from fire, smoke, and soot; based on this information, a plan of action will be developed
- Board-up and roof tarping services are implemented, if necessary
- Water removal and drying begins if water is present, whether from the washer or dryer, or leftover water from firefighting efforts
- Smoke and soot removal begins, using specialized equipment and techniques to ensure all affected surfaces are thoroughly cleaned
- Cleaning and sanitizing of affected belongings and other areas; this step may include odor removal , if necessary
- Restoration , where any final needs can be addressed (such as construction services )
Sources:
https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/clothes_dryers.html
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lint
https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/5022.pdf
https://www.whirlpool.com/blog/washers-and-dryers/parts-of-a-dryer.html