Any appliance that generates heat can be a potential fire hazard. There are over 24,000 clothes dryer fires each year in the United States, according to The Consumer Products Safety Commission. Most of these fires cause considerable property damage.
The good news is that these types of fires are in many cases preventable. Lack of maintenance is the leading cause of dryer fires. Lint is the material that is most often ignited in a dryer fire. The key is to provide for proper airflow, allowing the dryer to heat and dry efficiently, without causing excess lint buildup or reduced airflow.
There are some simple things you can do to help prevent a dryer fire. Never leave home or go to sleep when your dryer is running or leave a running dryer unattended. The lint screen should be cleaned after every load. Synthetic material, like rubber, foam, or plastic, should never be put into a dryer. Also, any material that has been in contact with flammable liquids should not be placed in a dryer, even after washing.
Periodically, your dryer should be moved forward in order to vacuum up any lint that has collected behind and underneath. When replacing your dryer, be sure to allow for adequate space behind the dryer so as not to crush or kink the vent duct or fittings.
Dryer fires can also be caused by failure of the mechanical or electrical parts of your dryer. If you notice that clothes are taking a long time to dry or are hotter than usual at the end of a cycle, you should get your dryer inspected.
In addition to being safer for you and your family, a properly working dryer can save you money. By retaining the ability to dry effectively at a lower temperature, your utility bills will be lower, your dryer will last longer, and your clothes will last longer and look better.
Augusta Commons Apartments in Marietta, Georgia hopes that these helpful tips will assist you in improving your overall daily lifestyle. Once you read through these suggestions, feel free to apply our advice to your daily routine.