The Most Common Causes of Dryer Fires & How To Help Prevent Them

Keeping your dryer vent clean is crucial in helping prevent dryer fires and ensuring the longevity of your appliance. Lint build-up in the vent is one of the most common causes of dryer fires. Luckily, preventing lint build-up is a straightforward process.  The Mad Hatter is a leading dryer vent inspection and cleaning company in the Southeast. Our technicians are trained to look for the most common causes of dryer fires during our inspections. Here’s what you should know. 

Lint Build-Up

Lint is the most common cause of dryer fires. As clothes tumble and dry, tiny fibers are released and accumulate in the lint trap, exhaust vent, and inside the dryer. If not cleaned regularly, this highly flammable material can ignite from the dryer’s heat, causing a fire. The lint trap captures most of these fibers, but some can bypass it and accumulate in the vent system and other parts of the dryer, creating a severe fire hazard.

How To Help Prevent Lint Build-Up

Homeowners should clean the lint trap after every load of laundry to ensure it remains clear. Additionally, cleaning the dryer vent is crucial to remove any lint that has built up in these areas. Regular dryer vent cleaning can help maintain optimal airflow and reduce fire risk. The NFPA recommends that your dryer vent be inspected and cleaned annually by a professional to remove excess lint build-up.

Contact The Mad Hatter today to schedule your dryer vent cleaning and inspection. Our professional service ensures that your dryer operates efficiently and reduces the potential for fire hazards.

Crushed or Damaged Hoses

Crushed or damaged dryer hoses can restrict airflow, causing the dryer to overheat. Over time, this excessive heat can ignite lint or other flammable materials, leading to a fire. Flexible plastic or foil dryer ducts are particularly prone to crushing. If this happens, it can significantly reduce airflow and increase fire risk.

How To Help Prevent Crushed or Damaged Hoses

Regularly inspect dryer hoses for any signs of damage, crushing, or kinking. Ensure the hoses are properly installed and have enough space to operate without being compressed. Replace damaged or crushed hoses immediately with new, flexible, heat-resistant ones. During our inspection, if your hoses need to be replaced, we will inform you and provide recommendations to ensure optimal performance.

Blocked Ventilation

Proper ventilation is crucial for a dryer’s optimal operation. It allows the heat to leave the building as designed. When the vent system is blocked or restricted by lint, debris, or animal nests, it prevents that heat from escaping. Blocked vents not only pose a fire risk but also reduce the efficiency of the dryer, leading to longer drying times and higher energy bills.

How To Help Prevent Blocked Ventilation

Regularly check the outside vent opening to ensure it is clear of obstructions such as lint build-up, debris, or animal nests. Installing a vent cover can prevent animals from nesting inside the vent. When you hire us for your professional dryer vent cleaning, we can look for signs of animal nests and debris and clean them out, along with any lint and other obstructions.

Overloading the Dryer

Overloading the dryer can cause it to work harder than designed, leading to overheating. This excessive strain can result in a higher risk of the dryer igniting a fire. Overloading prevents clothes from tumbling freely, leading to inefficient drying and increased wear and tear on the dryer components.

How To Help Prevent Overloading the Dryer

Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for load size. Avoid stuffing the dryer to its full capacity and ensure that clothes have enough space to tumble freely. Smaller, manageable loads reduce the risk of overheating and ensure that clothes dry more evenly and efficiently. If you have a large amount of laundry, it’s better to split it into smaller loads to maintain the dryer’s performance and longevity.

Improper Installation

Improper dryer installation, including incorrect venting materials or configurations, can lead to overheating and increased fire risk. Non-metallic ducts or vents are particularly hazardous as they can easily catch fire. Faulty installation can also result in poor airflow, causing the dryer to work harder and increasing the fire risk.

How To Help Prevent Improper Installation

Ensure your dryer is installed by a professional who follows the manufacturer’s guidelines and local building codes. Use only metal venting materials, such as aluminum or galvanized steel, which are resistant to heat and flames. Proper installation includes securing all connections and ensuring the vent system is as short and straight as possible to maximize airflow. Avoid using plastic or foil dryer ducts, as these materials are more prone to crushing and can easily catch fire.

Lack of Maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential to keep the dryer running effectively. Neglecting routine maintenance can lead to issues such as overheating, blocked vents, and excessive lint build-up, all of which increase the fire risk. A well-maintained dryer operates more efficiently and reliably, reducing the likelihood of a fire.

How To Help Prevent Lack of Maintenance

Scheduling your annual dryer vent services with The Mad Hatter is the best way to help. In addition, regularly clean behind and around the dryer to remove lint and dust build-up. Check the lint trap for any damage or holes allowing lint to bypass it. Replace the lint trap if necessary. Ensure the vent system is cleaned at least once a year and more frequently if you use your dryer heavily. 

Flammable Items in the Dryer

Placing flammable items, such as rubber, foam, plastic, or soiled with flammable substances, in the dryer can cause them to ignite under high heat. Items like clothes stained with cooking oil, gasoline, or cleaning agents can catch fire in the dryer.

How To Help Prevent Flammable Items in the Dryer

Avoid drying items that are not meant to be dried in a dryer. Always check clothing labels for drying instructions. Do not place items with rubber, foam, or plastic components in the dryer. Always check your pockets before putting your clothes in your hamper or the washer/dryer. If clothes are stained with flammable substances, wash them thoroughly to remove the stains and let them air dry instead of using the dryer. Ensure that items in the dryer are suitable for high-heat drying to prevent accidental fires.

Dryer Vent Cleanings With The Mad Hatter

Regular dryer vent cleanings and inspections are essential to preventing dryer fires. The Mad Hatter offers comprehensive dryer vent cleaning services that can help maintain your dryer’s efficiency and reduce the fire risk.

Contact The Mad Hatter today to schedule your dryer vent cleaning and inspection and ensure your dryer continues to operate at its best.