A dryer can be a fire risk when lint builds up and heat has nowhere to go. Most of this is easy to prevent. Here are the signs to watch for and the habits that keep the dryer safe. If you see any of these signs, book dryer repair in Kenmore, WA before you use the dryer again.
Safety first. If you smell burning or see smoke, stop the dryer and unplug it. If there is a fire, get out and call 911.
Warning signs
- Clothes still damp after a full cycle.
- The dryer or the laundry room is very hot.
- A burning smell.
- Lint around the vent or on the back of the dryer.
- The outside vent flap does not open.
Gas dryers
If you smell gas, leave the house, then call the gas company from outside.
When to call
Call if the signs return after you clean the vent, or if the dryer overheats. See the not heating page.
How common are dryer fires?
The U.S. Fire Administration counted about 2,900 clothes dryer fires in homes each year from 2008 to 2010. They caused about 5 deaths, 100 injuries and $35 million in property loss a year. The leading cause was failing to clean the dryer, at 34% of fires. These are national figures, not local ones, but they show why cleaning matters.
Sources: U.S. Fire Administration, Clothes Dryer Fires in Residential Buildings (2008 to 2010). The routine below matches the U.S. Fire Administration’s dryer fire safety flyer.
A simple monthly routine
- Clean the lint filter after every load, and wash it with warm soapy water now and then if water beads on the mesh.
- Look behind the dryer. Make sure the vent hose is not crushed or kinked.
- Check the outside vent flap opens when the dryer runs and no lint is stuck in it.
- Do not run the dryer while you are asleep or away from home.
- Keep the area around the dryer clear of boxes, cleaners and clothes.
If you smell gas
Do not switch anything on or off. Leave the home and call from outside. Do not use the dryer again until a qualified person has checked it.
In Kenmore, Puget Sound Energy (PSE) supplies natural gas and electricity, according to the City of Kenmore. PSE says to leave the area right away and, once outside, call PSE on 1-888-225-5773 or dial 911. Do not use anything that could spark, such as switches or a garage door opener. PSE sends a technician to check, at no charge. If your gas comes from a different supplier, such as propane, call 911 and your supplier.
Sources: PSE, how to detect a gas leak and City of Kenmore, utilities.
Stop using the dryer if
- Clothes come out very hot but still damp.
- You smell burning or see scorch marks.
- The outside of the dryer is unusually hot.
- The breaker trips more than once.
Kenmore homes and wet weather
Many homes around Kenmore dry laundry indoors during the wet months, and many have a dryer in a closet or basement. Both mean the vent run matters. Check that the hose is short, smooth and not squeezed behind the dryer.
Questions people ask
How often should I clean the dryer vent?
It depends on use. Check it often, and clean it when you see lint or when drying time gets longer.
Can a blocked vent cause a fire?
Yes. Lint is easy to ignite and a blocked vent traps heat.
Keep reading
- Dryer not heating. Usual causes and what to check.
- Noisy dryer, drum and belt. What each sound usually means.
- Send a quote request. Tell us what the dryer is doing.
Worried about your dryer? Call us.
Call and tell us what the dryer is doing.