Help Prevent Dryer Fires with Regular Appliance Maintenance

When we think about drying our laundry, a fire is usually the last thing on our minds. We are used to tossing clothes into the dryer and simply going about our business until the cycle is done. However, a poorly maintained dryer is a potential fire hazard that must be taken seriously. Let’s look at what you need to do in combination with regular appliance maintenance so your dryer remains safe.

JCA-Dryer-Vent-Cleaning-Flyer-Side-1-copy-copy-1024x456

Statistics

Not sure if you need to worry about a dryer fire? The proof is in the numbers. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are around 24,00 structure fires, 300 injuries, and 15 deaths reported every year as a result of dryer fires. This adds up to over $88 million in losses. Many of these fires could have been avoided by through regular appliance maintenance and preparation. Don’t become another statistic, stay on top of dryer safety precautions.

How Do They occur?

So how exactly does a dryer catch fire? When we dry our clothes, small particles of lint break free and build up into highly flammable clumps. Most dryers have filters or traps that capture the lint to stop it from building up in the dryer’s mechanisms. After every cycle, the lint should be removed from the filter, but this does not guarantee safety. Lint traps and filters can’t capture all of the lint that falls off your clothing, so further appliance maintenance is necessary.

Safety Tips

First thing’s first, make sure that you empty the lint out of the filter before and after every use. Next, you should inspect the filter for tears and rips and replace damaged filters immediately. Once the filter is empty, clean out the exhaust pipe and the rear of the dryer.

Properly using your dryer involves knowing what can and can’t go into it. Avoid putting in any plastics, foams, rubber, or any clothes that have come into contact with flammable liquids. Also, make sure to avoid overfilling the dryer and don’t leave it running when leaving the house.

Keep boxes, paper, chemicals, or any other flammable material away from the dryer. These can cause a fire to spread if one breaks out. Finally, regularly check the outdoor vent flap for obstructions.                

Maintenance Benefits

Even if you stay on top of these safety precautions, you still need to schedule regular appliance maintenance with a professional. A dryer technician will make sure the exhaust pipe is short, straight, and unrestricted. If you have a gas-powered dryer, they can routinely inspect the gas line is intact and properly connected. Service technicians can check that the machine is connected to electricity correctly, with the right outlet and plug being used. It is also important to have a technician do the initial installation of your dryer, so it is operating correctly from the onset.  

Damage Warning Signs

While it’s important that you have regularly scheduled appliance maintenance, there are warning signs to look for that indicate it is time to call a technician immediately. Service is required if you notice it is taking longer than usual for your clothes to dry, the clothes are still damp after a cycle, or the clothes are hotter than usual when you take them out of the machine. These are all signs that you need dryer lint removal services as well as a check up on the equipment’s efficiency.

bigstock-Accumulated-Lint-In-Washing-Ma-6785667-1024x683

Appliance Maintenance Experts

To protect yourself from dryer fires, hire the appliance maintenance experts. Jersey Coast Appliance has a team of professional appliance service technicians, master technicians and certified support personnel dedicated to serving our customers with honesty and integrity.

We are the one stop shop for purchasing and maintaining your appliance repair. We have a wide variety of replacement parts in stock, including Kenmore replacement parts. In addition to our regular repair service, we also offer Night Owl Service and 24/7 Emergency service.To protect yourself from a potential dryer fire, contact us today.

Recent Posts
What to Look for When Hiring an Appliance Repair ServiceRefrigerator Not Cooling Properly? Maintenance Tips and Tricks