Dryer Fires: The Hidden Danger in Your Laundry Room

Understanding and Preventing Dryer Fires:

Dryer Fire

In the daily hustle and bustle of household chores, the laundry room is a hub of activity. Amidst the whir of washing machines and the warmth from dryers, there's a hidden danger that lurks.

Home dryer fires are more common than you may think. Every homeowner should understand why they happen and how to prevent a dryer fire.

Using data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), we'll explore the frequency and causes of dryer fires. We'll also give you tips on how to avoid dryer fire risk in your house.

How common are dryer fires?

Each year, fire departments across the U.S. respond to roughly 15,000 home fires caused by clothes dryers and washing machines.

Laundry dryers cause the majority of these home fires (~92%). Dryer fires result in property damage ($238M) but also lead to injuries (444) and fatalities (13) each year.

Fires occur with both electric or natural gas dryers. Electric dryers are 2.5 times more likely to cause fires than natural gas dryers.

The leading items first ignited in dryer fires are dust, fiber or lint (26% of total) and clothing (26%).

Understanding the Causes

The primary cause of dryer fires is failure to clean the appliance properly.

Lint, which accumulates after each cycle in the lint trap, vent, and around the drum area, is highly flammable. When the dryer runs, it produces hot air which can ignite excess lint and start a house fire.

Dryers have a thermostat that measures the temperature of the hot air and controls the heat. The blockage in the vent stops air from flowing. If the thermostat cannot properly read the temperature it will continue to heat the air. This is dangerous and can start a fire.

Lint is not the only cause for dryer fires. It can happen in new vents too. If your dryer vent is bent or crushed during install, air will not flow. Always check your dryer vent (and gas line if present) for visible damage when moving your machine.

Blocked dryer vents force the dryer to work harder and put stress on dryer mechanical parts. This raises the risk of an electrical fire.

Other contributing factors include:

• Improper installation: Incorrect exhaust venting or electrical connections can raise fire hazard risk.

• Mechanical and electrical failures: Faulty thermostats, timers, and other components can fail, leading to overheating.

• Dryer misuse: Overloading the dryer and drying items that are not to be machine-dried.
  

Steps to Prevent Dryer Fires

Preventing dryer fires involves regular dryer vent maintenance, proper use, and vigilance.

Here are some tips every homeowner can follow:

1. Clean the Lint Filter: Remove lint from the filter before and after each load of laundry.

2. Inspect and Clean the Venting System: Inspect and clean the dryer duct to ensure there is no lint buildup. Also check for lint around the exhaust hood or lint trap near the dryer door.

3. Ensure Proper Install: Follow the dryer's installation instructions and ensure proper electrical grounding.

4. Keep the Area Around the Dryer Clear: Keep the area around dryer free from items that can burn. This may include boxes, cleaning supplies, and clothing.

5. Never Leave the Dryer Running Unattended: Do not run the dryer when you are asleep or away from home.

6. Notes: 

7. Check that the dryer is working properly and clothes are not taking longer to dry than usual. Long dry times are a sign of a clogged dryer vent.

8. Check for a burning smell coming from the machine or the exterior vent hood.

Conclusion

The laundry room holds a hidden danger that needs our attention. Dryer fires, while preventable, claim lives and destroy property each year.

Know the causes and act today for the safety of your home and loved ones.

Our Solution

Our product, VentWatch, alerts you when to clean your dryer vent. VentWatch helps you keep your vents clean and your dryer operating at peak efficiency. VentWatch is not a fire prevention or safety device.

For more information, please visit www.dextertechnologycompany.com/smart-drying.