According to the US Fire Commission in a report published January of 2007, the leading factor in a full 70% of residential dryer fires is: “Operational Deficiency — Failure to clean”.*
In other words, not taking care of the lint as it accumulates. The proper maintenance of a dryer includes cleaning the line from the trap, vents and surrounding areas. If this isn’t done consistently it can, and often does, result in a fire.
It is up to the homeowner to remove the lint from the dryer trap after each load of laundry. However, cleaning out the dryer vent and surrounding areas can normally be done only by a professional.
When lint has to pass through an exhaust that is under a floor or through walls that is more than 6 feet long, it is almost impossible to propel all the lint of out of the vent. As a result, lint can accumulate in pockets along the vent where they are hard to reach and clean. It is critical for homeowners to inspect and clean out the dryer line on a regular basis.
Clean A Duct can put you on a maintenance plan where we automatically contact you to clean the line yearly. Call for a free quote at 503-863-7717
*Published in the USFA Topical Fire Research Series, Vol. 7, Issue 1, January 2007