Dryer Vent - Fire Safety

We had to buy a new dryer recently. While taking out the old dryer my husband inspected the dryer air duct that directs the deadly gases outside. And even after just replacing the vent last Spring it was pretty caked with lint. Rather then taking a chance. We decided to just replace the whole air duct.  According to the National Fire Protection Association: In 2010, an estimated 16,800 reported U.S. non-confined or confined home structure fires involving clothes dryers or washing machines resulted in 51 civilian deaths, 380 civilian injuries and $236 million in direct property damage. Clothes dryers accounted for 92% of the fires; washing machines 4%, and washer and dryer combinations accounted for 4%.

The leading cause of home clothes dryer and washer fires was failure to clean (32%), followed by unclassified mechanical failure or malfunction (22%). Eight percent were caused by some type of electrical failure or malfunction. This got me to thinking.  What do we have that could help prevent this from happening in my own home, in the future?  midlandhardware.com has a few good products that you can try.

LintEater LintCatcher Dryer Vent Cleaner R-4203613 LintEater System LintCatcher, Captures Loosened Lint From The Dryer Vent While Rotary Brushing With The LintEater System, Attach To The Exterior Vent Hood, Turn On The Blower Or Dryer & Begin Rotary Brushing The Vent System, As The Loosened Lint Is Blown Out, It Is Collected In The LintCatcher, Works Great When Cleaning From The Outside Or From The Inside. LintCatcher Dryer Vent Cleaner at midlandhardware.com

Unger Exhaust Vent Brush 36 in. 962070 36 in. , Exhaust Vent Brush, Ideal For Cleaning Lint Traps On Dryers, Air Conditioning & Heating Vents, Removes Lint & Fuzz Build Up That Can Cause Fires & Allergies, Flexible, Protective Coated Wire Shaft Prevents Scratching Any Surfaces Or Snags Inside The Vents, Comfort Grip Will Provide An Easy Feel Grip During Cleaning. Unger Exhaust Vent Brush 36 in. 962070 at midlandhardware.com

LintEater Dryer Vent Kit Cleaning System RJR601 LintEater, 4 Piece, Dryer Vent Kit, Jr Cleaning System, Includes: 1 Each Of: Auger Brush, Lint Trap Brush & 2 Each 18 in. Extension Rods, Can Be Used With Drill Or By Hand, Lint Trap Brush Has 42 in. Reach, Dryer Exhaust Vent Can Be Cleaned With Auger Brush Up To 3 ft. From Each Side. Dryer Vent Kit Cleaning System RJR601 at midlandhardware.com

Unger Dryer Vent Brush 30 in. 962680 30 in. , Dryer Vent Brush, Ideal For Cleaning Lint Traps On Dryers, Air Conditioning & Heating Vents, Removes Lint & Fuzz Build-Up That Can Cause Fires & Allergies, Flexible, Protective Coated Wire Shaft Prevents Scratching Any Surfaces Or Snags Inside The Vents, Comfort Grip Will Provide An Easy Feel Grip During Cleaning. Unger Dryer Vent Brush 30 in. 962680 at midlandhardware.com It is also important to have your dryer serviced periodically to make sure all parts and wires are operating properly.  Please remember these tips to keep you and your family safe from preventable fires.  We at Midlandhardware.com care about your safety.