MT. VERNON - Residential appliance fires result in an estimated 9,600 fires annually and $211 million in property loss, according to the National Fire Incident Reporting System.
Clothes dryers are one of the appliances in residences that can cause fires, but those fires can be prevented with a few steps, said Mt. Vernon Fire Department Lt. Donnie Hayes.
“There’s always a risk with the buildup of lint in the drum and the amount of heat in relation to the heating elements of those dryers,” Hayes said. “You should make sure the lint traps are cleaned after every use.”
In addition, Hayes said manufacturers recommend to clean the lint trap over the sink with soap and water once a month, especially if dryer sheets are being used as opposed to liquid fabric softener.
“The dryer sheets leave a film, and if the air is not able to transfer, there’s a heat build up around that trap,” he said.
Hayes also said dryer owners should make sure any other vents on the dryer are not blocked by lint or other obstructions.
“You want to take the vent pipe down and make sure it’s all nice and clear,” he said. “You can vacuum it so you know the air will flow in the vent.” full story
