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Re-activateThe good news is that most people do clean the lint filter in their dryers on a regular basis, according to a survey by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The bad news is that the leading cause of fires caused by dryers is still a failure to clean, according to the United States Fire Administration (USFA). Although most people are diligent about emptying the lint basket—the top reason given was to reduce the risk of fire—far fewer people clean out the dryer ducts and cabinets.
In the CPSC survey, 38 percent said they cleaned dryer ducts and only 20 percent cleaned lint out of dryer cabinets. Because of these findings the CPSC suggests that future clothes dryer designs include more user-friendly ways for consumers to simply and safely get lint out of the dryer cabinet.We recently reported on a new feature offered by some clothes dryer manufacturers that alerts consumers when vents are blocked. Although it's a good concept, our testers found it unreliable. It should be noted that the alert system is not marketed as a safety feature. But it's clear one is needed; lint-filled dryer ducts cause about 4,500 home fires a year.
Manufacturers generally recommend that homeowners hire a professional to clean the dryer cabinet and exhaust every year or two, depending on the amount of laundry you do.
The CPSC has some good tips on how to prevent dryer fires. And if you're looking for a new dryer, check out our Buying Advice and Ratings (for subscribers).
—Maggie Shader
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