Dryer Vent Fires: Causes, Warning Signs and Prevention
About 2,900 home clothes dryer fires are reported each year in the U.S., and failure to clean is the leading cause, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Clean the lint screen every load, have the full vent cleaned at least once a year, use metal ducting, and don't run the dryer while you're asleep or away.
The numbers
The U.S. Fire Administration estimates that about 2,900 clothes dryer fires in homes are reported to fire departments each year, causing an estimated 5 deaths, 100 injuries and $35 million in property loss. Failure to clean is the leading factor, at 34 percent. Dryer fires are more common in fall and winter, peaking in January.
How a dryer fire starts
Lint is mostly fine fibers, and it burns easily. As the vent clogs, less air moves through the dryer, so the drum and heater run hotter. Lint that escapes the screen collects in the cabinet, around the heater and in the duct. When the airflow is low enough and the temperature high enough, that lint can ignite. Safety switches help, but they can fail, and a clogged vent keeps pushing them to their limit.
Warning signs
- A burning smell when the dryer runs.
- The dryer cabinet or the laundry room gets very hot.
- Clothes take two cycles, or the dryer shuts off mid-cycle.
- Lint behind the dryer or around the outside vent.
More in our guide to the signs of a clogged dryer vent.
Prevention checklist
- Empty the lint screen before or after every load.
- Have the full vent cleaned at least once a year, more often for big households, pets and long or roof runs. See how often.
- Use metal. Replace foil or vinyl hose with a listed semi-rigid metal connector. See hose replacement.
- Keep the cap working: a damper that opens and closes, and no screen. See cap replacement.
- Don't run the dryer while you're asleep or away from home.
- Keep the area around the dryer clear of boxes, clothes and cleaning products.
- Don't dry items stained with gasoline, cooking oil or other flammable liquids. Wash them more than once and air-dry them.
- Have a working smoke alarm near the laundry area.
If the dryer catches fire
If it's safe to do so, turn the dryer off and leave the door closed to starve the fire of air. Get everyone out and call 911 from outside. Don't open the dryer door. Have the dryer and the vent inspected before using them again.
Condos and shared buildings
In a condo building, one unit's dryer fire can damage the units around it. A building-wide cleaning program puts every unit on the same schedule. See condo, HOA and rental programs.
Want it done for you?
Same-day dryer vent service across Pinellas County. Standard cleaning from $99, airflow tested before and after, price before any extra work.
Clearwater team
1727 Coachman Plaza Dr
(727) 454-0061
Clearwater area
Largo team
13801 Walsingham Rd
(727) 662-5045
Largo area
Seminole team
7821 Seminole Blvd
(727) 855-3490
Seminole area
Questions
What is the leading cause of dryer fires?
Failure to clean, at 34 percent of home clothes dryer fires, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.
When do most dryer fires happen?
They're more common in fall and winter and peak in January, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.
Does cleaning the lint screen prevent dryer fires?
It helps a lot, but some lint always passes the screen and builds up in the duct. The full vent needs cleaning too.
Related services
