Clothes Dryer Safety Tips

While doing laundry at home is a normal weekly chore, that doesn’t mean you should go on autopilot. Clothes dryers can cause fires, so it is always important to follow safety tips when using them. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind when you’re doing laundry:

Do:

Clean the lint filter before and after each load of laundry you dry.
Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and follow all safety protocols.

Use metal venting instead of plastic or vinyl exhaust hoses.
Clean the area behind the dryer regularly, as lint can become trapped there.
Hire a qualified technician to clean the venting systems and dryer interior when necessary.

Don’t:

Overload your dryer, as this could cause the dryer to break down. It can also reduce the machine’s ability to effectively dry your clothes, meaning you may have to put them through another dry cycle.

Dry anything that previously had flammable solutions on them. This includes clothing or fabric with stains from cooking oils, spot removers, gasoline, alcohol and dry-cleaning solvents. Even if the stain is visibly gone, the vapors may still be left behind and can cause the dryer to ignite.
Forget about dryer maintenance. Lack of maintenance is a major cause of dryer fires. Ensure you follow the “do” tips above – cleaning the lint trap, following safety instructions, etc. – every time you use your dryer. If you find a problem with your dryer, call a professional technician to take a look, and do not use your dryer until the problem is fixed.

Practice these dryer safety tips the next time you do your laundry. You will be helping keep you, your home and your clothes safe and in good repair.

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