Lint Trap Fire: 5 Effective Tips To Avoid Major Fire Damage

10/24/2022 (Permalink)

The professionals are on call and ready to restore your fire-damaged property!

The professionals at SERVPRO of Union, Towns, Fannin & Gilmer Counties are here to help your property avoid lint trap fires. 

Dryer fires are common in homes across the United States, and lint build-up is the leading cause of this type of fire. SERVPRO professionals have seen the damage these fires can cause, and we want to help you avoid becoming a victim of a lint trap fire.

Lint trap fires typically happen when the lint build-up in the dryer or around the vent becomes hot enough to ignite. The fire then has access to the home through the ductwork and quickly begins to spread, causing significant fire damage.

The following blog post will go over five tips the experts at SERVPRO of Union, Towns, Fannin & Gilmer Counties advise to help avoid a lint trap fire in your home. Keep reading to learn more about lint trap fires and what you can do after fire damage occurs on your property.

What is lint, and how does it cause fires?

Lint is a fluffy, cotton-like material produced when clothes are dried. Lint can cause fires because it is very flammable and often collects in the dryer and around the vent where there is extra heat. Lint build-up in the dryer is the leading cause of dryer fires.

Tips to prevent a lint trap fire

Now that you know the dangers of lint build-up let's review some tips on preventing a lint trap fire from happening in your home.

1) Clean out the lint trap after every load of laundry

One of the best ways to prevent a lint fire is to clean out the lint trap after every load of laundry. Lint can quickly build up in the trap and cause a fire if it is not removed regularly.

2) Keep an eye on the dryer while it's in use

Another way to prevent a lint fire is to keep an eye on the dryer while it is in use. If you notice any sparks or excessive heat coming from the machine, unplug it immediately.

3) Have your clothes dryer installed by a professional

If you are unsure how to install a clothes dryer properly, it is best to hire a professional. Professional installation will help ensure that the dryer is installed correctly and will not pose a fire hazard.

4) Clean lint out of the vent pipe every three months

It is vital to clean lint out of the vent pipe every three months. Lint can quickly build up in the pipe and cause a fire if it is not removed regularly.

5) Check regularly to make sure nests of small animals and insects are not blocking the outside vent

Nests of small animals and insects can block the dryer's outside vent, limiting airflow and contributing to a fire. Therefore, it is essential to check the vent regularly to ensure it is clear.

What should you do if a lint fire occurs?

Call the fire department immediately when a lint fire occurs in your home. Once the fire is out, you should contact a professional fire restoration company. The right company will be able to quickly and efficiently restore your home to its pre-fire condition and will know its way around insurance claims.

SERVPRO of Union, Towns, Fannin & Gilmer Counties—your local fire damage restoration company

When a lint trap fire breaks out, you must have a company on-call that you can trust. The experts at SERVPRO of Union, Towns, Fannin & Gilmer Counties are here to help! We have the knowledge and experience to quickly and efficiently restore your home or business to its pre-fire condition.

SERVPRO of Union, Towns, Fannin & Gilmer Counties is a leading provider of fire restoration services. Our team of certified professionals has the knowledge and experience to handle any sized job, big or small. When you hire us for fire restoration services, you can expect a quick response time because we understand that time is of the essence when a fire occurs. Our team will arrive on-site within hours of your call to begin the restoration process.

Contact us today for more information about our fire restoration services.