According to the National Fire Protection Association, dryer fires account for roughly 13,820 home structure fires and cause over $200 million in damage each year. Because of the incidence of dryer fires, the Fire Code requires proper dryer installation, maintenance, and exhaust vent cleaning (2021 Seattle Fire Code, Section 610).
How to be safe:
- Always remove lint from trap before using the clothes dryer
- Never put rubber, plastic, foam or any materials that made contact with flammable liquids in the dryer even if previously washed
- Turn the dryer off if you leave home or when you go to bed
- Do not use the dryer without a lint filter
- Do not overload your dryer
- Make sure the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is operating
- Once a year, or more often if you notice that it is taking longer than normal for your clothes to dry, clean lint out of the vent pipe or have a dryer lint removal service do it for you
Note: If you live in multi-residential housing, it’s the property manager’s responsibility to maintain and clean dryer exhaust vents per manufacturer’s instructions. See our updated guidance on dryer safety.
