Categories Dryer Fire Prevention, Dryer Fire Safety, Dryer Vent Cleaning

Dryer Fire Prevention

dryer fire preventionDryer Fire Prevention

Dryer fire prevention is overlooked by many home owners, property managers and landlords, simply because they are not aware of the dangers that are associated with the dryer. Many things have changed over the years especially the length of the dryer vent and also the location of the dryer. Gone are the days where the dryer is in the basement close to the outside wall. Now they are situated in the middle of the home on the main or second floor, meaning dryer fire prevention is extremely important. Whats wrong with this is it’s hard for the homeowner to reach the exterior vent to remove lint and it’s a long run makes it hard to remove that lint accumulation. Dryer vents for dryers on the second floor tend to be located on the roof or on the side of the home, needing a 24 foot ladder or longer depending on the height of the ceilings.

Dryer Fire Prevention Stop Fires Happening

Over time lint builds up through the whole dryer exhaust system especially if the basic dryer fire prevention (maintenance) is not carried out . This then slows down the airflow which means the damp air is not able to make it to the end of the dryer vent so more moisture in the ducts, causing more lint to stick to the sides of the dryer ducts. This then accumulates back towards the dryer, if the dryer then gets clogged several things happen.

  • More lint will be present in the laundry room
  • The dryer will be hot to touch
  • Clothes take longer to dry
  • The laundry room gets humid
  • A dryer fire takes place

All the while lint is building up inside the dryer, circulating and settling inside the dryer, possibly escaping through the vents on the back of the dryer, also settling on top of the dryer heating element housing and element. This is where the real hazard lies, lint is easy to ignite and all it takes is one clump that’s settles on top of the element housing or by the element to spark and get moved through the dryer for a dryer fire to start.

Dryer Fire Safety Features inside a Dryer

Dryer manufacturers know the hazards exist and do their best to tell the homeowner what they need to do. However they have built in the following safety features to reduce the risk of a dryer fire. If the dryer vent gets clogged and is sufficient to block air flow, the thermal fuse may blow (one time fuse needs replacing). If the inside temperature of the dryer gets too hot the high limit fuse will cut off the element to cool the dryer down and reduce the risk of a dryer fire. The dryer thermostat will cut the dryer element signal so it only heats for a short while again to prevent dryer fires and reduce the risk of a dryer fire.

Dryer Manufacturers Recommend Professional Dryer Cleaning as Dryer Fire Prevention

The dryer manufacturers recommend having the dryer vent cleaned and having the inside of the dryer cleaned by a professional to prevent a dryer fire! However even the appliance service companies do not know who to refer homeowners to when the dryer vent needs cleaning. Dryer companies also recommend that plastic (vinyl) and thin foil transition hoses are not used to connect the dryer to the wall. All home owners can do is search the internet for terms like “Dryer Vent Cleaning in Burlington” or whatever your city name is this is the best way to prevent a dryer fire.

Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning Prevents Dryer Fires

Professional dryer and dryer vent companies are fully equipped to assist dryer fire prevention, by removing all lint build up inside the dryer and through the dryer vent system. Be sure to find your local dryer vent cleaner to help clean your dryer vent.

 

Categories Dryer Fire Prevention, Dryer Vent Cleaning

Dryer Vent Cleaning in Oakville Ontario

dryer vent cleaning in oakvilleMany homes in Oakville now have laundry rooms located on the second floor or main floor in the middle of the home. While this layout is convenient, it creates one commonly overlooked problem: long dryer vent runs.

With longer dryer vents, it’s nearly impossible for homeowners to clean them properly. Over time, lint builds up inside the dryer vent and the dryer itself, leading to longer drying times, higher energy use, and increased fire risk.

Professional dryer vent cleaning in Oakville helps remove this hidden lint buildup and restores proper airflow through the system.


Why Consider Dryer Vent Cleaning in Oakville?

Hydro costs in Ontario continue to rise, pushing many homeowners to run their dryers during off-peak hours—late at night or overnight. Running a dryer with a blocked or restricted vent during these times is a serious safety risk.

Long vent runs combined with lint buildup inside the dryer and vent system increase the chance of overheating and dryer-related fires. It’s always recommended never to leave a dryer running while sleeping or away from home.

By having your dryer vent professionally cleaned, you benefit in several important ways:

  • Peace of mind — lint and airflow hazards are removed

  • Improved dryer efficiency — clothes dry faster

  • Reduced fire risk — let the Oakville Fire Department stay busy elsewhere


Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning in Oakville

At Dryer Vent Cleaner, we provide professional dryer vent cleaning in Oakville using specialized equipment designed for long and difficult vent runs. We clean the entire system—from the dryer to the exterior vent—ensuring lint and blockages are fully removed.

We service all Oakville neighbourhoods, including:

407 West, Sixteen Hollow, Glenorchy, Joshua’s Meadow, West Oak Trail, West Oakville, Wedgewood Creek, Joshua Creek, Southwest Oakville, Clearview, Old Oakville, Lakeshore Woods, Falgarwood, Glen Abbey, College Park, and Bronte Village.

We also provide dryer vent cleaning in Burlington, Hamilton, Mississauga, and Waterdown.


Call Today to Schedule Dryer Vent Cleaning in Oakville

Don’t wait until drying times increase or a small issue becomes a serious hazard.
Call the Oakville Dryer Vent Cleaning specialists today for fast, professional service.

📞 905-966-0838

Dryer vent cleaning done properly — no shortcuts, no nonsense.

Categories Dryer Fire Prevention, Dryer Fires, Dryer Vent Cleaning

Removing Birds Nest from Dryer Vent

nest removal from dryer ventSo it’s -10c today and we take a call from Mississauga regarding a birds nest in the dryer vent. This customer has had 2 companies try to remove the birds nest in the last 7 months and both have failed! Up for a challenge and not wanting to be beaten Dryer Vent Cleaner went to the rescue!

Birds Nest Removal

Battling through snow that finally decided to appear we turned up and met the customer. The vent had been missing the flaps (deteriorated from the weather) so a bird decided to take root and made a nice cosy nest in there 3 feet inside. Using our special birds nest retrieval tools we removed the nest and cleaned the dryer vent through from the outside and from the inside.  We replaced the vent and caulked the new vent, added a special bird proof screen over the new vent to prevent return visitors.

Do Not Use Panty Hose on Dryer Vent

Because of this nest and the fact he chose the wrong company twice to clean out his dryer vent he has been using the dryer with a panty hose over the end and venting in inside the home! This is dangerous and should not be done! Dryers need to vent outside the home, restricting the airflow causes lint to accumulate in the dryer fast and can lead to a dryer fire.

Birds Nest removal in Ontario

If you live in Ontario, especially Burlington, Mississauga, Hamilton, Oakville and you have problems with your dryer taking too long to dry your clothes, you have a birds nest stuck in your dryer vent, you need your dryer vent relocating, need a new dryer vent or just know you need your dryer vent cleaning call the professional dryer vent cleaning company. Satisfaction guaranteed or you pay nothing.

Categories Dryer Fire Prevention, Dryer Fire Safety, Dryer Vent Cleaning

Why You Should Not Use Foil or Vinyl Dryer Vent Hoses

dryer warning label
Click to View Large Dryer Warning Label

The fact that some stores still sell those flimsy white vinyl dryer hoses (known as transition hose) is unbelievable, in fact it is almost criminal! Some stores are also using the Thin foil transition hoses when they install a new dryer, totally ignoring what is clearly written on the dryers warning label. The dryer vent should be of 4 inch diameter, however when the thin foil or vinyl is used and compressed it as well as reducing the diameter to 3 inches it has lots of ridges to trap and accumulate lint and reduce air flow.

Do Not Use Plastic Dryer Transition Hose

All dryer manufacturers say that you should not use plastic dryer hoses, or thin foil, this means that in the event of a dryer fire if your insurance company were to pick up on this, they would not accept your claim as you failed to follow the recommendations stated by the .

In the states there have been several class action cases against retailers who were installing foil or plastic hoses, this follows insurance companies failing to pay out after a fire based on the wrong transition hose installed.

* The lawsuits state the retailers’ installers attached metal foil or plastic vents to dryers sold to consumers instead of heavy metal ones recommended by manufacturers, creating conditions that could cause fires or death.

Dryer Warning Labels

This dryer warning label which is located on the back of all dryers clearly states you should use a heavy metal vent and “DO NOT USE PLASTIC OR THIN FOIL DUCT”. The reason they say this is because these type of dryer hoses will feed the fire, the vinyl will melt and spread a fire should one occur.

What Sort of Hose is best for Your Dryer?

best dryer hoseThe best dryer hose is semi-rigid or rigid metal duct these are fire proof and are what your dryer manufacturer recommends.

Maintain Your Dryer

Your dryer needs maintenance to ensure it runs efficiently.  It is recommended you clean your dryer vent out and have it inspected annually, and have your dryer cleaned out every couple of years. We offer professional Dryer Cleaning as well as dryer vent cleaning in and around Burlington, Ontario. Call 905 966 0838 today to schedule a visit from the Dryer Vent Cleaner.

 

*source of lawsuit http://fr.reuters.com/article/idUKN2144007020080521