February 2008
Dryer fire caution
More than 13,000 fires a year start in laundry rooms in the United States, resulting in 10 deaths and $97 million in property damage. Nearly 4,000 of these fires arise from lint buildup that occurs when people fail to clean their dryer vents. The following safety information from Consumer Reports can help you prevent a disaster.
Consumer Reports says that flexible dryer ducts made of foil or plastic are the most problematic because they can sag and let lint build up at low points. Ridges can also trap lint. Metal ducts, either flexible or solid, are far safer because they don't sag, so lint is less likely to build up. In addition, if a fire does start, a metal duct is more likely to contain it.
No matter which kind of duct you have, you should clean it regularly. In addition, clean the lint screen each time you use your dryer. This not only will reduce the risk of a fire, but your dryer will dry your clothes faster and use less energy.
Venting safely
All dryers vent their exhaust, including some lint, through a duct that must attach to the machine. Ducts made of flexible plastic or flexible foil can create a fire hazard by sagging and trapping flammable lint inside. Choose rigid metal or flexible metal ducts instead.
More than 13,000 fires a year start in laundry rooms in the United States, resulting in 10 deaths and $97 million in property damage. Nearly 4,000 of these fires arise from lint buildup that occurs when people fail to clean their dryer vents. The following safety information from Consumer Reports can help you prevent a disaster.
Consumer Reports says that flexible dryer ducts made of foil or plastic are the most problematic because they can sag and let lint build up at low points. Ridges can also trap lint. Metal ducts, either flexible or solid, are far safer because they don't sag, so lint is less likely to build up. In addition, if a fire does start, a metal duct is more likely to contain it.
No matter which kind of duct you have, you should clean it regularly. In addition, clean the lint screen each time you use your dryer. This not only will reduce the risk of a fire, but your dryer will dry your clothes faster and use less energy.
Venting safely
All dryers vent their exhaust, including some lint, through a duct that must attach to the machine. Ducts made of flexible plastic or flexible foil can create a fire hazard by sagging and trapping flammable lint inside. Choose rigid metal or flexible metal ducts instead.
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