Dryer Lint – The Hidden Home Fire Danger

Most people use their dryer, clean out the lint trap after the clothes are dry and move on. In fact, most people are unaware of the inner workings of their clothes dryer. Built up lint can cause a home fire and thousands of dollars in damage.

In 2010, the most recent year for which statistics are available, an estimated 16,800 reported U.S. non-confined or confined home structure fires involving clothes dryers or washing machines (including combination washer/dryers) resulted in 51 civilian deaths, 380 civilian injuries, and $236 million in direct property damage. Additionally, in 2010, clothes dryers and washing machines accounted for 4.5% of all reported home structure fires, 1.9% of associated civilian deaths, 2.8% of associated civilian injuries, and 3.1% of associated direct property damage.

Here are 4 areas to check for lint build up that will increase the efficiency of your clothes dryer while decreasing the chances of a lint dryer fire:

• Lint trap filter – New dryers have a plastic filter lint goes through to attach to the lint trap. This needs to be cleaned out periodically so lint pieces can get through it and stick to the lint trap. Refer to your owner’s manual for instructions. This is not applicable to older dryers.
• Air vent – The vent between your lint trap and the vent tubing also typically houses bits of lint that can spark a fire. You can get an in expensive kit to clean all the areas of your dryer’s vent system.
• Vent tubing – Unplug your dryer and pull your dryer away from the wall. Detach the vent tubing from the wall and the dryer and vacuum it out.
• Vent tubing hole – Reach into the hole on the back of your dryer and pull or vacuum out any lint or build up.

People use their dryers frequently and most don’t stop to think about the lint or the hazards lint build up may pose. At Advocate Claims, our public adjusters have handled losses of every kind, including dryer fire losses.

For over 10 years, Advocate Claims public adjusters have been helping homeowners with home and home insurance related questions. If you have recently suffered a loss, Advocate Claims can help. Contact our public adjusters today at 954-369-0573 to speak with a licensed public adjuster about the home insurance claim process and what we can do to help.