Lint and heat are a dangerous, but unavoidable combination in your home. With the laundry room as busy as it is, it’s no wonder laundry and routine maintenance pile up on all of us. Dryer lint is responsible for nearly 16,000 residential fires each year in this country. The good news is that you can prevent trouble in your laundry room with just a little education and some easy preventative maintenance.

 Installation Tips

A handy homeowner can properly install many small appliances but heavy use appliances like washers and dryers are another story. Consider contracting an insured professional installer who could save you time, frustration and money.. Here’s our short list of dryer installation recommendations:

• Have your dryer installed by a qualified professional.
• Avoid long gas or electrical connections and lengthy vent pipe runs if possible.
• Vent your dryer to the exterior of your home or apartment, according to local building code specifications, wherever possible.
• Choose metal vent pipes (rigid or semi-rigid corrugated style rather than flexible plastic or spiral foil type); they are more heat-resistant and don’t accumulate lint as quickly.
• Ensure your dryer is installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications

Tips For Safe Use

• Operate your clothes dryer according to the operating instructions provided; search for them online if you no longer have them.
• Dry clothes on the lowest setting possible to avoid high heat that could ignite built-up lint in your dryer or exhaust vent system.
• Don’t overload your dryer; ensure clothes tumble freely and have adequate air circulation.
• Ensure the lint trap/filter screen is in place – never operate your clothes dryer without one.
• Make sure the area around your dryer is free from clutter like laundry, cardboard boxes, cleaning supplies and other combustible materials.
• Place other appliances such as a washer and chest or upright freezer a safe distance away; consult your owner’s manual for manufacturer recommendations.
• Never dry clothes that have been in contact with flammable liquids like paint thinner, gasoline or motor oil in a dryer, even on low heat.
• If you notice clothes are not drying as fast as normal, inspect your dryer and vent pipe immediately; consider a professional service call to rule out or address mechanical problems.

A Handy Service Schedule

• Clean the lint screen or filter between every load.
• Vacuum or clean the lint trap to remove lint the filter has missed.

• Check electrical or gas connections to ensure they are tight and clean.
• Check the exterior vent opening and ensure it opens and closes properly.
• Remove obstructions like plant growth from near the vent opening.

Annually

• Clean the exhaust vent from end to end, removing all lint and dirt.
• Have your dryer inspected and serviced by a qualified technician.