Safety Alert: Be aware of the potential danger of dryer fires

You might have read about a recent ruling by the Supreme Court of Texas that discarded a $14 million judgment against a major appliance manufacturer in a case related to an allegedly defective clothes dryer. The court found insufficient proof that the fatal fire was caused by the dryer.

But don't let the court's decision blind you to the very real risk posed by laundry-related fires in this country. About 13,000 fires a year start in laundry rooms, resulting in 10 deaths and nearly $100 million in property damage, according to estimates from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Nearly 4,000 of those fires arise from lint buildup in dryer vents.

There are a couple of easy ways to reduce the chances of a dryer fire occurring at your home. First, use a rigid-metal dryer duct instead of a flexible-plastic or foil duct, and clean the lint screen on your dryer after every use. See your owner's manual for the specifics of your dryer.

For more advice on keeping your clothes dryer running safely and efficiently, read " Truths and Myths of Dryer Fires" and watch our video (above).

—Daniel DiClerico

Essential information: If you need to replace your dryer, check out free buyer's guide to dryers and ratings of electric dryers and gas dryers (available to subscribers).