Lint buildup is the leading cause of more than 15,000 dryer fires in Canada.1 That highly flammable accumulation in dryer screens, filters, vents and ductwork can be avoided by following a regular maintenance routine.

In fact, keeping your dryer clean will help extend the life and efficiency of your machine.

The following tips will optimize dryer safety and minimize fire risks:

  • Clean the lint filter after every cycle. This will help prevent fires – and will dry laundry faster. Wipe the lint screen with a used fabric softener sheet. Use a vacuum to clean the filter’s chute at least once per season. (For those who regularly use fabric softener sheets, clean your screen once a month with a brush and soapy warm water to remove the waxy buildup that will diminish the filter’s effectiveness.)
  • Clean the dryer’s interior. Even if you clean the lint filter regularly, lint can build up within the dryer. On a monthly basis, unplug the appliance and clean the inside with warm, soapy water. If your machine uses a sensor, wipe the interior down with white vinegar or a stainless-steel cleaner to keep it working well.
  • Clean around your dryer.Dirt, lint and moisture can accumulate around and under your dryer. Every few months, vacuum the area to remove debris. Also, keep the top of the dryer free of clutter.
  • Check the dryer’s balance. All appliances work best when set up properly. If your dryer is not level, its parts will wear out sooner. Adjust the unit’s feet until the machine is balanced.
  • Clear the area around the dryer’s vent cap. Snow, leaves and shrubbery can all restrict air flow to your machine, so remove any obstacles from the area.
  • Clean the dryer’s venting tube. Your dryer’s entire venting system, from the inside of the dryer to the outside vent cap, should be cleaned annually. You can hire professional cleaners to do the job, but it’s possible to do it yourself. 
  • Pay attention to the load size. To increase dryer efficiency, separate loads into different fabric types. Different fabrics have different drying times. By keeping like fabrics together, it can shorten the overall drying time and save energy.

Also, loosen bundles of clothes before adding them to the dryer. If clothes are tightly bundled, some will end up damp no matter how long they are in the dryer. Finally, do not dry large items such as quilts or duvets in the dryer. Even large-capacity dryers can’t circulate air properly, which can cause the machine to overheat.

  • Chemical stains on clothes need special care. Clothing that has stains from gasoline, cleaning products, oil splatters or other flammable chemicals should be washed twice to minimize the volatile properties, then hung to dry. If you use the dryer, the lowest heat setting and drying cycle with a cool-down is recommended. If a fire starts inside the drum, keep the dryer door shut to limit the amount of oxygen, which will feed the fire.
  • Replace accordion-style ducts. Use rigid or semi-rigid sheet metal venting material, never plastic or foil accordion-style ducts to connect your appliance to the vent. Those tend to sag and collect lint in the crevices and low areas. It’s also advised to use duct connectors and metal clamps or foil tape to join sections instead of sheet-metal screws. Use the shortest – and straightest – vent length possible for optimal dryer performance.
  • Feel the air flow. Dryers should be vented to the outside and capped with a louvered or box hood. While outside, make sure you can feel air flowing from the vent when the dryer is running.

Warning Signs That Indicate a Dryer Dilemma

Even with regular dryer maintenance, you may run into issues with your machine. Most dryers can complete a load of laundry in 45 minutes. If your dryer is taking significantly longer, it may be a signal that it needs some extra attention.

Here are some warning signs:

  • Hot, hot, hot. If the outside of the dryer is hot to touch or your clothing is very hot at the end of a cycle, the vent is not exhausting correctly.
  • Long time to dry. A drying cycle will double in time if the vent is clogged, cutting the life of the machine in half.
  • Burning smell. When lint, which is highly combustible, clumps together in the vents, filters and ductwork, it gets hot, causes a burning smell and catches fire. This is a serious warning sign to immediately clean your vents.
  • Lack of flap. If the outside vent hood flap doesn’t open when the dryer is running, lint buildup is restricting airflow and needs immediate attention.

Quick Tips for Dryer Safety:

  • Clean the lint filter after every use.
  • Clean the entire vent system once a year.
  • Regularly inspect interior vent, dryer’s drum and back of the appliance for lint buildup.
  • Don’t run the dryer when no one is home or prior to bed.
  • Install a smoke alarm or smoke/carbon monoxide detector near the dryer.

Like any other appliance, keeping your dryer at peak performance requires regular care and a quick response to possible issues. The few minutes you take to maintain your machine could add years to your dryer’s life and prevent catastrophic events such as fires.

For more information, contact a HUB International broker today.

1 Canadian Residential Inspection Services Ltd., “Is Your Dryer a Fire Hazard?” accessed September 2023.