Dryer Lint Build-up: The Stuff of Nightmares

Without proper maintenance, the dryer vent is a potential fire hazard for homeowners, though most are unaware the problem even exists. The result is venting systems that clog over time, with each load of laundry creating more of a hazard.

"It's hard for people to think of their clothes dryer as a fire hazard," said John Ryley, owner of the Dryer Vent Wizard (DVW), Dry Clothes, Safe Homes franchise, whose company specializes in maintaining, cleaning, repairing, replacing and altering dryer vents for residential and commercial consumers.

Clothes dryer fires account for 15,600 structure fires, 15 deaths and 400 injuries each year, with an estimated $88 million in property damage, according to the National Fire Data Center. Failure to clean lint out of the dryer vent is the leading cause.

"Most people don't realize that New York State Building Codes changed in 1999 to indicate that all dryer vent systems should be made of a rigid metal piping, because of the fire hazard," said Ryley. Even dryer manufacturers call for a rigid metal piping and an annual cleaning to prohibit the lint build-up that leads to fires, he says. Servicing the Long Island area, every day Riley sees the fire hazards with his own eyes. The systems in most homes he services use white plastic flexible hoses or silver foil, flexible hoses that are not up to code.

The lack of awareness concerning this issue is simply because dryer vent systems are often out of sight and out of mind. "Homeowners want the laundry area to be out of sight and near bedrooms and bathrooms," Ryley said. "While no one wants to drag laundry up and down the stairs, the reality is that longer venting cause dryers to work harder, take longer to dry clothes, and use more energy, creating a fire hazard."

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), any vent over 25 feet is considered a fire hazard and installation of a booster fan is recommended. This helps dryers function safely and more efficiently and is one of the services DVW provides.
Ryley believes the solution to the problem is creating consumer awareness of the importance of maintaining dryers and dryer vents.

The most common sign of a venting problem is that clothes taking too long to dry. "If it takes more than one dryer cycle to get the towels dry, you may have a dryer vent problem," he said.
Here are some tips to help consumers prevent dryer fires and reduce energy consumption:
Be sure that dryer vent systems are up to code with city, state and manufacturer.
Replace any plastic or foil vent with semi-rigid or solid metal venting.
Clean screen lint trays before and after drying a load.

Wash lint screens with soap and water every few months to remove residue left behind by fabric softeners.
Have dryer vents professionally cleaned and inspected annually.
Warning signs to look for:
Clothes are taking more than one cycle to dry, especially jeans and towels.
No lint is visible on the lint screen.
The dryer repeatedly stops during a cycle.
Clothes have a moldy smell after the dry cycle.

"Consumers who follow these guidelines," said Ryley, "create a safe environment in their home, prolong the life of their dryer and will lower their energy bills." Dryer Vent Wizard, Safe Homes, Dry Clothes is the only national franchise to specialize exclusively in full service dryer venting solutions. For more information call 866-498-7233

Dryer Vent Wizard is a nationwide company providing dryer vent cleaning, dryer vent repair, and dryer vent installation in many market areas including Boise, ID; Charlotte, NC; San Diego, CA; Leesburg, VA; Arlington, VA, Fairfax, VA; Connecticut; Raleigh, NC; Washington DC, VA; Livonia, MI; Denver, CO; Cleveland, OH; Boston, MA; Massachusetts, New Hampshire; Birmingham, MI; Bloomfield Hills, MI; Wausau, WI; Long Island, NY; Sacramento, CA; Temecula, CA; Baltimore, MD; Columbus, OH; Minneapolis, MN; St. Joseph, MO; Kansas City, MO; Boca Raton, FL; Atlanta, GA; York, PA; Lancaster, PA; Nashville, TN; Murfreesboro, TN; Seattle, WA; Chicago, IL; Santa Rosa, CA; Vallejo, CA; San Francisco, CA; Fresno, CA; Louisville, KY; Cincinnati, OH; Birmingham, AL; Baltimore, MD; Pittsburg, PA; Modesto, CA; Syracuse, NY