Clothes dryer safety is not a topic that we think about very often, even though I use my dryer on almost a daily basis. I do try to take care of the easy maintenance but I don’t always take the time to thoroughly clean the vent system for my dryer. Here are a few easy steps we can take to avoid a clothes dryer fire.
- Do use a professional to install the dryer.
- Be sure the lint filter is in place before starting the dryer.
- ALWAYS clean the lint filter before starting a new dryer load.
- Be sure the dryer vent that exhausts air from the dryer is clean and sturdy.
- Don’t overload your dryer. Smaller loads will dry quicker.
- Don’t run the dryer if you are planning to leave home or when you are sleeping.
- Be sure the outlet for the dryer is connected properly and grounded.
- This time of year, be sure the dryer outlet outside is not blocked by snow or ice.
- Keep flammable items away from the dryer.
- Don’t put clothing that has come in contact with flammable liquids like gasoline into the dryer. Let them air outside and dry before washing. If you still can smell an odor after washing, don’t put them in the dryer.
I know that I will thoroughly clean the vent system on my dryer this weekend. The last thing we need is a dryer fire.