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SERVPROSERVPRO of West Riverside City
Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration™
(951) 351-8033
Please send USPS mail correspondence to 9825 Magnolia Ave, Suite B311, Riverside, CA 92503

Is Your Riverside Home Clothes Dryer Hiding Something

1/8/2025 (Permalink)

dryer outside black from fire If clothes are still damp after a normal cycle, the lint screen or exhaust vent may be blocked. Hire a professional to clean your dryer and dryer duct

Do you clean your lint trap every time you use your clothes dryer?

The dryer duct is the length of tubing that connects your dryer to an exterior wall where hot air exhausts can be released.  This is not the lint screen (the thing you pull out that traps all the hair/lint).  Lint screens are usually very easy to access and usually can be found on top of the dryer or right inside the dryer.

Did you know that dryers can cause a home fire?

The highest percentage of home dryer fires stem from the following:

  • Failure to adequately clean the dryer (32%)
  • Mechanical failure or malfunction (27%)
  • Electrical failure or malfunction (16%)

    • Accordingly, the items most likely to ignite first in a dryer fire are as follows:

  • Dust, fiber and lint (27%)
  • Clothing (25%)
  • Appliance housing or casing (12%)

    • Here are some tips to prevent dryer fires:

    Installation

  • Have your clothes dryer installed by a professional.
  • Make sure the correct electrical plug and outlet are used and that the dryer is connected properly.
  • Read manufacturers' instructions and warnings in use and care manuals that come with new dryers.

    • Cleaning

  • Clean the lint filter before and after each load of laundry. Don’t forget to clean the back of the dryer where lint can build up. In addition, clean the lint filter with a nylon brush at least every six months or more often if it becomes clogged.
  • Clean lint out of the vent pipe every three months.
  • Have your dryer cleaned regularly by a professional, especially if it is taking longer than normal for clothes to dry.

    • Maintenance

  • Inspect the venting system behind the dryer to ensure it is not damaged or restricted.
  • Put a covering on outside wall dampers to keep out rain, snow and dirt.
  • Make sure the outdoor vent covering opens when the dryer is on.
  • Replace coiled-wire foil or plastic venting with rigid, non-ribbed metal duct.
  • Have gas-powered dryers inspected every year by a professional to ensure that the gas line and connection are together and free of leaks.
  • Check regularly to make sure nests of small animals and insects are not blocking the outside vent.
  • Keep the area around the clothes dryer free of items that can burn.
  • If you will be away from home for an extended time, unplug or disconnect the dryer.

    • Source: prevent home fires

    About SERVPRO of West Riverside City

    SERVPRO of West Riverside City specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

    If you need help with cleaning out your home or dryer vent call the Professionals at SERVPRO of West Riverside City 24/7 951.351.8033

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