Clothes Dryer Safety

Do you know how important taking care of your clothes dryer is to the safety of your home? Here are a few simple tips to help you prevent a clothes dryer fire.

• Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional.
• Do not use the dryer without a lint filter.
• Make sure you clean the lint filter before or after each load of laundry. Remove lint that has collected around the drum.
• Rigid or flexible metal venting material should be used to sustain proper air flow and drying time.
• Make sure the air exhaust vent pipe is not restricted and the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is operating. Once a year, or more often if you notice that it is taking longer than normal for your clothes to dry, clean lint out of the vent pipe or have a dryer lint removal service do it for you.
• Keep dryers in good working order. Gas dryers should be inspected by a qualified professional to make sure that the gas line and connection are intact and free of leaks.
• Make sure the right plug and outlet are used and that the machine is connected properly.
• Follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions and don’t overload your dryer.
• Turn the dryer off if you leave home or when you go to bed.

AND DON’T FORGET

• Dryers should be properly grounded.
• Check the outdoor vent flap to make sure it is not covered by snow or debris.
• Keep the area around your dryer clear of things that can burn like boxes, cleaning supplies and clothing.
• Clothes that have come in contact with flammable substances like gasoline, paint thinner, or similar solvents should be laid outside to dry before washing and drying.