In this blog entry, the professional Denver dryer vent cleaning team will detail the effects that winter fabrics have on dryer and dryer fires, an issue that we commonly deal with when providing expert dryer vent cleaning services to households and businesses in the freezing Denver, Colorado climate.
Drying heavy winter fabrics like wool sweaters, blankets, and jackets can significantly increase the risk of dryer fires. According to the U.S. Fire Administration (FEMA), January sees the highest number of dryer fires due to the frequent drying of bulky, lint-shedding items. Heavy fabrics tend to produce more lint, which can accumulate in dryer vents and create a highly flammable hazard.
Why Heavy Fabrics Increase Risk:
- Lint Build-Up: Items like scarves, parkas, and blankets shed more lint when tumbled in the dryer.
- Clogged Dryer Vents: Lint can accumulate in the vents, beyond what the lint trap can catch.
- Fire Potential: Lint is highly flammable, and even a small spark from your dryer’s heating element can ignite it.
How to Minimize the Risk of Dryer Fires:
- Schedule Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning: Regularly clean dryer vents, especially before and during winter, to remove lint build-up in hard-to-reach areas.
- Check and Clean the Lint Trap After Every Load: This reduces the initial lint entering the vent system.
- Avoid Overloading the Dryer: Heavy loads trap heat, increasing the risk of overheating and fire.
- Dry Similar Fabrics Together: Drying items of similar weight prevents over-drying, which contributes to excess lint production.
- Inspect Dryer Vents Regularly: Look for signs of blockage or slower drying times, which could indicate a vent issue.
Source: FEMA’s Clothes Dryer Fire Safety guidelines emphasize that failure to clean dryer vents is the leading cause of dryer fires. Regular maintenance is crucial to keeping your home safe.