Dryers have at least three general heat cycles: low for delicates, medium for permanent press and high for regular clothes. The inside temperatures usually range from 125°F to 160°F. Meanwhile, the exhaust temperature typically cycles from 120°F to 160°F. That’s a lot of heat!
Because dryer lint can heat up enough to start a fire, it’s imperative to have The Lucky Duct maintain your dryer-exhaust system. At least 40,000 dryers catch on fire ever year. Christopher Jones, The Lucky Duct's owner, is an expert in the dryer-exhaust-system industry.
Given how intense the heat gets, know these safety facts:
- Don’t put clothes that are soiled with volatile chemicals—such as gasoline, cleaning agents or large amounts of cooking oil—in the dryer. If they must be dried in the machine, minimize the risk of fire by putting them through at least two rounds of cleaning in the washer or by vigorously hand-washing them with detergent in a tub.
- Use the dryer’s lowest heat setting, its shortest drying phase and the end-of-cycle cool-down period.
- Don’t leave a dryer running when no one is at home.
- Refrain from overfilling the dryer drum. All of the clothes will put too much of a strain on the machine. And while you’re at it, don’t put in items that are soaking wet. Instead, only put in things that have been relieved of as much water as possible via the washer’s spin cycle or by wringing them out.
- Don’t store volatile chemicals or rags near a dryer. Some liquids emit vapors that ignite. Keep the area around the dryer free of lint, paper, stacks of clothing and anything else that could spark a fire.
- If you suspect a fire has erupted, rush everyone outside and call 911. And if you can do so quickly and safely, immediately disconnect the power or turn off the breakers.
- Always have a fully charged fire extinguisher in the laundry room, and place it where it can be easily seen and grabbed.
The Lucky Duct is dedicated to providing its customers with the highest quality of skilled services. For more information on the company and its variety of dryer-exhaust-system services, call today at (516) 323-0043!
