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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Did You Know That Your Clothes Dryer in your Poughkeepsie Home Can Be a Fire Hazard?

11/3/2020 (Permalink)

Dust, dirt and debris filled accordion-style dryer vent in a home A clogged dryer vent is a fire hazard, get this cleaned at least once a year!

Scary fact, every year firefighters respond to close to 14,000 residential fires caused by clothes dryers. 30% of these fires is due to an accumulation of lint and debris in the dryer vent. Not cleaning out your dryer vent yearly can set you up for a serious fire hazard that's far more serious than your clothes taking longer to dry.

Here are 4 simple practices to ensure safety in your laundry room:

-CLEAN THE LINT FILTER AFTER EVERY LOAD: Not only will this help prevent a fire, but your clothes will dry faster and help keep your machine running smoothly. Not only does fuzz accumulate in the venting, but allergens, pet fur, little rodents and other yuck will just keep piling up until the vents are cleaned.

-REPLACE OLDER ACCORDION-STYLE DUCTS: Plastic or foil accordion-style ducts connecting your appliance to the vent should be replaced with a rigid metal duct that won't sag and collect lint and debris.

-CLEAN THE DRYER DUCT ANNUALLY: The easiest (and inexpensive) way to have it done correctly is by hiring a professional to do so. They know exactly how, where and what, that equals a lot less hassle to you. There is specific equipment involved, clips, ducting and moving of other things that are better handled by a professional.

-CHEMICAL-STAINED CLOTHING IS NOT FOR DRYERS: Do not put flammable-stained garments in the dryer. Substance like gas, cooking oil, cleaning agents, or other flammable chemicals or substances need special care. It's recommended to wash such stained clothing more than once to minimize volatile chemicals, then hang to dry. It’s a fire hazard that isn’t worth the risk and putting them in the dryer will make the stain set. A little dish soap works wonders on chemicals stains too. Rub a little on the spot with a brush or hard sponge and let sit before washing.

IMPORTANT: In the event that a fire does start, keep the dryer door closed to limit its oxygen supply—a fire needs oxygen to keep it going. When it’s safe to do so, call your insurance company to file a claim and then call SERVPRO of Western Dutchess County!

Not only can our professionals take care of restoring your home If your family has experienced a fire, but we ALSO HANDLE DRYER VENT CLEANINGSSERVPRO® of Western Dutchess County can help 24/7, give us call at 845-831-3600 to learn more!

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