The U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission estimates that annually there are 15,500 fires, 10 deaths, and
310 injuries associated with clothes dryers. Some of these fires may occur
when lint builds up in the filter or in the exhaust duct. Under certain
conditions, when lint blocks the flow of air, excessive heat build-up may
cause a fire in some dryers. To prevent fires:
- Clean the lint filter regularly
and make sure the dryer is operating properly. Clean the filter after
each load of clothes. While the dryer is operating, check the outside
exhaust to make sure exhaust air is escaping normally, If it is not,
look inside both ends of the duct and remove any lint. If there are
signs that the dryer is hotter than normal, this may be a sign that the
dryer's temperature control thermostat needs servicing.
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- Check the exhaust duct more
often if you have a plastic, flexible duct. This type of duct is more
apt to trap lint than ducting without ridges.
- Closely follow manufacturers'
instructions for new installations. Most manufacturers that get their
clothes dryers approved by Underwriters Laboratories specify the use of
metal exhaust duct. If metal duct is not available at the retailer where
the dryer was purchased, check other locations, such as hardware or
builder supply stores. If you are having the dryer installed, insist
upon metal duct unless the installer has verified that the manufacturer
permits the use of plastic duct.
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