What To Do And Not To Do With A Cloth Dryer

Most Toronto fires that are caused by clothes dryers are as a result of them not being cleaned out properly, and therefore, it is imperative that people are informed on the best ways to prevent these fires from breaking out, and Sem’s duct cleaning has tips on what to do and what not to.

Installation

• Check that the dryer is put in by an expert.
• Ensure that the right electrical plugs and outlets are used and that there is a proper connection.
• Do not ignore the instruction manual that comes with it because it contains instructions on how to operate it and what to avoid.

Cleaning

• Remove the filter that contains the line before and after each cycle of clothes. Also, keep in mind to clean behind the machine because sometimes lint gathers there. Moreover, get rid of the lint on the filter using a nylon brush at least every half year, or even more if it gets blocked.
• The lint in the vent pipe should be gotten rid of after every three months.
• You can get the dryer often cleaned by an expert such as Toronto duct cleaning services, particularly if you notice that it seems to be taking longer than usual for it to dry the clothes. This is typically done at least once yearly.

Maintenance

• Regularly check the venting system at the back of the machine to see that it is not dented or clogged.
• Place something on the outdoor wall dampers to keep off rain, snow or any debris.
• Make certain that the outdoor vent covering opens when the dryer is operating.
• Put in a firm non-ribbed metal duct in place of coiled-wire foil and plastic ones.
• If the dryer needs gas to operate, get a skilled person to come and check it for leaks in the gas line. They should also make sure the connection is still in place.
• Look out for animals and insects as often as possible because they could also obstruct the outside vent.
• Do not keep anything that is flammable close to the machine.
• If you are going on vacation or won’t be home for a while, make sure you leave the dryer unplugged and disconnected.

What to avoid

• Do not use the machine without putting a lint filter in place. Confirm that it is also not damaged, unfastened or jammed.
• Avoid putting in too many clothes into the dryer.
• Wire screens and cloth gather up lint, which in turn obstructs the drier and should therefore not be used to guard the wall damper.
• Foam, rubber or plastic materials should not go into the drier. Some bathroom mats may have rubber backing, and hence cannot be machine washed.
• Always read instructions on clothes because some are not meant to be dried where there is heat as they may be flammable.
• Do not put fiberglass into the machine, save for if the instructions that come with the item say you can do so.
• Things that have touched flammable substances such as alcohol, cooking oil or gasoline should be kept away from the drier. Instead, air them outside, far away from any heat.
• Finally, check that you do not leave the drier on at night, or when you step out of the house.

Read more information about “Ventilating a Dryer by Passing the Vent Across a Roof” and “Is The Household Dryer Posing A Fire Threat?”.