What You Didn't Know About Your Clothes Dryer

Since they first started being mass produced in the early 1900s, clothes dryers have become a staple in our households. If you are one of the 80% of Americans that has a clothes dryer in their home, there's something you need to know...

They are a big-time fire hazard.

It's true – your clothes dryer is one of the biggest fire hazards in your house. But unlike furnaces, ovens, fireplaces, and candles, many people do not know about the dangers of clothes dryers. Check out these facts from the National Fire Protection Association.

• Clothes dryers cause more than 15,000 residential fires every year.
• One out of every 22 house fires is caused by a clothes dryer.
• Clothes dryers are responsible for more fires each year than chimneys.

So, what can you do to protect yourself?

The most common cause of clothes dryer fires was failure to clean. As your clothes dryer spins your clothes around, they produce lint. Much of this lint is trapped in the filter screen, but some of itmakes its way to your exhaust vent. The dryer exhaust vent is the long, winding tube attached to the back of your appliance. It is responsible for releasing excess heat to the outside, but it cannot effectively do this if it's clogged with lint.

Use these two tips to stay safe:

• Clean the lint screen before every load.
• Have your exhaust vent professionally cleaned once every year.

GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration offers professional dryer vent cleaning services to homes and businesses on Long Island. If you live in Nassau County or Suffolk County, call us for a free quote at (631) 940-8100.

Clothes Dryers and House Fires: Facts & Figures

Can you picture laundry day without your trusty clothes dryer? Probably not. Since first becoming mass produced in the early 1900s, the clothes dryer has become a household staple and are now found in more than 4 out of every 5 of American homes.

While it is viewed as a laundry necessity, this appliance isn't has safe as it appears to be – in fact, it is one of the most dangerous appliances in your house. Without proper maintenance and attention, your clothes dryer can quickly become a fire hazard.

Not convinced? Check out some of these facts from the National Fire Protection Association:

• Clothes dryers are responsible for more than 15,000 house fires each year.
• One out of every 22 residential fires is caused by a clothes dryer.
• The number of fires caused by clothes dryers each year has surpassed those caused by chimneys.
• Some of these fires were caused by mechanical failure, but by far the leading cause was failing to properly clean components.

So what can you do to protect your home from a fire courtesy of your clothes dryer? Clean the lint filter before every load of laundry, and have your exhaust vent professionally cleaned each year.

If you live in Long Island, you can depend on GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration to thoroughly clean your dryer exhaust vent and reduce your risk of a fire. A clean dryer vent can also help your clothes dry quicker and increase your appliance's energy-efficiency and operating lifespan. Same day appointments are available, call us at 631-940-8100 to schedule yours.