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VERIFY: How To Clean Your Dryer Duct

How do you prevent your dryer from becoming a fire hazard?

VERIFY QUESTION

Your handy dandy dryer lets you sport freshly-washed clothes in sometimes less than an hour -- but could it also be creating a deadly fire hazard? How do you ensure your dryer is properly cleaned?

VERIFY SOURCE

  • National Fire Protection Association
  • Consumer Reports

VERIFY PROCESS

The National Fire Protection Association reports between 2010 and 2014, fire departments responded to 16,000 fires every year involving clothes dryers or washing machines. On average, 13 people die and 440 are injured every year from these fires. They were the sixth-leading cause of home fires between 2011 and 2015, and they caused more fires than candles but fewer than space heaters.

How do you prevent dryer fires?

Consumer Reports says firstly, clean the lint filter (after every load). The lint filter is easy to pull out and clean.

Secondly, replace accordion-style ducts, which can sag and allow lint to build up. Use a flexible metal duct instead.

Thirdly, clean your dryer duct annually. Your dryer duct is the dryer's ventilation system. Go outside and put your hand up to the vent. Do you feel exhaust air? If not, it might be blocked with lint. Disconnect your dryer from the power source and turn off the gas valve, if you have a gas dryer. Clean out lint and reconnect it. Do this process at least once a year.

VERIFY CONCLUSION

Not properly cleaning dryers can cause serious fire hazards in your home.

Do you have a VERIFY inquiry? Send a selfie note or video of the question to Meghann Mollerus:

Facebook: Meghann Mollerus News

E-mail: Mmollerus@wfmy.com

Twitter: @MeghannMollerus

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