WARNING or reality check?!?! Here are a few things that can be maintained without a professional to reduce the chances of a dryer fire.
- Clean the lint screen/filter before or after drying each load of clothes. If clothing is still wet or damp at the end of a drying cycle requiring longer times than normal, this may be a sign that the lint screen or the exhaust duct is blocked.
- Clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct periodically. Make sure exhaust air is escaping. If it is not, the vent or the exhaust duct may be blocked, call a professional this is a safety concern.
- Clean behind the dryer, where lint can build up. Have a qualified service person clean the interior of the dryer chassis periodically to minimize the amount of lint accumulation.
- Keep the area around the dryer clean and free of clutter.
Things you may want to know:
- Galvanized metal tubing is the safest and best material for a dryer vent.
- Never use a flexible plastic vent on a gas dryer (due to potential for carbon monoxide poisoning possibilities).
- PVC piping, will create static electricity which can cause a clog.
- 25 feet is should be the maximum length of a dryer vent.
- Dryers should be cleaned every few years depending on the size of your family and how any times the dryer is done.