Get your Dryer Vent Cleaned to Avoid a Fire Hazard in your Dutchess County home!

10/10/2019 (Permalink)

Clogged clothes dryer vents are a fire hazard! Get yours cleaned out at least once a year, call us to schedule your next dryer vent cleaning!

According to Consumer Reports (2018), every year firefighters respond to close to 15,000 residential fires caused by clothes dryers. 80% of these fires is due to an accumulation of lint and debris. Not cleaning out your dryer vent yearly can set you up for a serious fire hazard that's far more serious than your clothes taking longer to dry from a clogged vent.

Here are 4 simple best practices to ensure safety in your laundry room:

1. CLEAN THE LINT FILTER AFTER EVERY LOAD- not only will this help prevent a fire, but your clothes will dry faster!
2. REPLACE OLDER ACCORDION-STYLE DUCTS- Plastic or foil accordion-style ducts connecting your appliance to the vent should be replaced with a rigid metal duct that won't sag and collect lint.
3. CLEAN THE DRYER DUCT ANNUALLY- (at least)- There are a few DIY ways to clean your dryer vent but the easiest (and not pricey) way to have it done correctly is by hiring a professional to do so. They know exactly how, where and what, that equals a lot less hassle to you.
4. HANDLE CHEMICAL STAINS WITH CARE- Do not put flammable-stained garments in the dryer. Substance like gas, cooking oil, cleaning agents, or other flammable chemicals or substances need special care. It's recommended to wash such stained clothing more than once to minimize volatile chemicals, then hang to dry. Not only will putting them in the dryer make the stain set, it’s a fire hazard that isn’t worth the risk.

IMPORTANT: In the event that a fire does start, keep the dryer door closed to limit its oxygen supply—a fire needs oxygen to keep it going.

Not only can our professionals take care of restoring your home If your family has experienced a fire, but we ALSO DO DRYER VENT CLEANINGS! SERVPRO® of Western Dutchess County can help 24/7, give us call at 845-831-3600 to learn more!