Clothes Dryer Lint Is a Fire Hazard

A clothes dryer doesn't look scary or dangerous. Unfortunately, it is the cause of more than 20,000 house fires every year totaling millions of dollars in damage. Regular cleaning and maintenance can protect your family and your home investment.
Get Rid of Dangerous Lint in the Dryer

Whether you use an electric or gas clothes dryer, you will have lint. Lint builds up in the lint trap, as well as inside the dryer vent and ductwork, reducing air flow and drying efficiency. Lint can cause humidity levels to rise around vents causing mildew and mold to develop in walls and insulation. But most importantly: Lint is combustible. Lint causes fires.

The first area to clean after every load is the dryer lint trap by removing the lint from the screen and wiping clean the edges. If the screen seems clogged, that is dryer sheet residue. Submerge the lint screen in a sink of hot water and scrub with a soft-bristled brush to remove all the built-up fabric softener.

Use a long-handled flexible brush to help you reach areas that you cannot get to by hand. Remove the dryer lint filter and use the brush in the opening to gently loosen the built-up lint. Don't force the brush if you meet resistance but be sure to clean every surface as much as possible.

How to Clean Dryer Vents

At least once per year, unplug the dryer and check the area where the exhaust vent connects to the dryer. The hose or pipe is held in place by a clip or a steel clamp that can be loosened with pliers or a screwdriver. After removing the pipe, reach inside the dryer opening or use a vent brush to remove as much lint as possible. Use a damp cloth to wipe away remaining lint around the connection. Then look inside the hose or pipe and clean it as well.

If you still have a white or silver vinyl duct hose, it should be replaced immediately. The material is flammable and if lint is ignited by the dryer the hose will burn and cause a house fire. All national and local building codes now require metal ductwork for clothes dryers. Ideally, you should use rigid aluminum tubing pieces between the dryer and the outside vent. This type of tubing resists the collection of lint in the duct and cannot be easily crushed. Flexible aluminum ducting is available, however, it is more prone to collecting lint inside.

One last step is to clean the exterior vent. Again remove as much lint as possible using your hand or a brush. You may need a screwdriver or another tool to hold the vent flap open for easier cleaning. If you live in a high humidity area or use your dryer more than twice weekly, you should clean this vent several times per year.

Reduce Fire Hazards by Installing the Dryer Correctly

A clothes dryer should not vent inside your home or attic. The exhaust contains too much humid air and can cause problems with mold and mildew. A ventless dryer should be used if outside venting is not possible.

The maximum length of a clothes dryer exhaust duct should not exceed 25 feet from the dryer location to the wall or roof termination. The maximum length of the duct should be reduced two and one-half feet for each 45-degree bend, and five feet for each 90-degree bend. The maximum length of the exhaust duct does not include the transition duct.

Be certain that you have a 220v grounded electrical outlet available for an electric dryer. A professional should always be hired to connect or install gas lines for gas dryers.

Dryer Safety