Dryer Vent Fires – Signs That It Is Time to Clean Your Vents

8/18/2017 (Permalink)

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 15,000 fires are sparked every year by clothes dryers.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 15,000 fires are sparked every year by clothes dryers.  Lint and other debris can build up in your dryer vent, reducing air flow to the dryer, backing up dryer exhaust gases, creating a fire hazard.

Here are some of the signs that it's time to clean your vent:

• Clothing does not dry completely after a normal drying cycle.
• Drying time for clothing takes longer than 35 to 40 minutes in duration.
• A musty odor is noticed in the clothing following the drying cycle.
• Clothing seems unusually hot to the touch after a complete drying cycle.
• The dryer vent hood flap does not properly open as it is designed to do during the operation of the dryer.
• Debris is noticed within the outside dryer vent opening.
• Excessive heat is noticed within the room in which the dryer is being operated.
• Large amounts of lint accumulate in the lint trap for the dryer during operation.
• A visible sign of lint and debris is noticed around the lint filter for the dryer.
• Excessive odor is noticed from dryer sheets that are used during the drying cycle.

For vent cleaning or fire clean up, please call SERVPRO of Milton / Braintree at 781-341-7007