Dryer fires happen more often than people realize. Good fire prevention in dryers starts with keeping lint and heat under control before they turn into a hazard.
Small problems like torn lint screens, clogged vents, or weak airflow can lead to major risks over time. In this post, we’ll explain what causes dryer fires and the simple steps that keep your machines safe and reliable.
What Causes Fires in Commercial Dryers?
One of the easiest ways to prevent dryer fires is by keeping up with lint cleaning. Lint is highly flammable. It builds up inside the dryer, around the burner, and in the vent line. When airflow is blocked, the dryer can overheat. That makes it more likely to catch fire.
Here’s what we often see:
- Lint screens with holes or tears that don’t get replaced
- Lint is spreading inside the dryer cabinet
- Clogged vents that trap heat and lint
- Burners filled with lint that block gas flow
Pro Tip: If you notice lint blowing around your facility or collecting near the vent outlet, that’s a warning sign. Schedule a cleaning right away.
Poor Airflow Can Cause Heat Buildup
Dryers need strong airflow to work safely. When vents are blocked or screens are torn, the air can’t move. This affects the airflow switch inside the dryer. If it doesn’t get the right suction, it may not shut down the way it should. That’s when things can overheat.
Fire Prevention In Dryers: What You Can Do
Clean the Inside of the Dryer
It’s not enough to just empty the lint drawer. You also need to get inside the machine once a year to clean around the basket and inside the cabinet. This can be done by removing the front panel.
- Use a vacuum to clean out all lint near the basket and burner
- Look for burnt or stuck lint near the flame area
- Replace any worn or broken lint screens
Key Takeaway: Lint that makes it past a torn screen can land near the flame and cause fires. Always check the screen and replace it if damaged.
Maintain the Dryer Vents
Dryer vents should be cleaned at least once a year. If your vent system is made of metal tubes and has a cleanout port, it’s easy for an HVAC team to clear the line.
Watch for these signs of vent trouble:
- Lint building up at the vent outlet
- Long dry times or hot machines
- Smell of burnt lint near the dryer
Need expert help with fire prevention in dryers? Contact RJ Kool for a free consultation.
What About New Lint-Catching Technology?
Alliance now offers a system called ProCapture. It’s a newer way to catch lint using spinning air, like what you’d see in a Dyson vacuum. Instead of trapping lint on a screen, it uses airflow to pull lint down into a mesh filter.
This mesh still needs cleaning and replacement, but it cuts down on lint spread inside the dryer. Over time, this kind of system may become the new standard.
Pro Tip: If your dryer has this kind of mesh system and the mesh wears out, replace it. It’s cheap and easy to swap in a new one.
Why Dryer Fire Prevention Matters
Fire prevention in dryers isn’t just about avoiding disaster. It also improves how your machines run:
- Better airflow means faster dry times
- Clean burners use less energy
- Fewer service calls for overheating
Neglecting dryer maintenance leads to high repair costs and safety risks. Keeping your dryer clean protects your investment and keeps your team safe.
In Summary
Fire prevention in dryers starts with regular lint cleaning, proper vent care, and checking worn-out parts. If you see lint building up inside or outside your dryer, it’s time to act. Clean out the dryer cabinet, replace torn screens, and vacuum out the vents. Doing this once a year can prevent major problems down the road.
Contact RJ Kool today for a free quote or to schedule dryer maintenance and fire prevention service.
