Dryer Lint Filter Safety Concern

Cleaning the lint filter after completion of a dryer load is part of the regular care and maintenance of your appliance. This will not only ensure continued optimum performance, but will reduce the risk of fire in your home.

When your lint filter becomes plugged, it restricts the outflow of heated air, which can cause your dryer to become overheated. This can increase the risk of fire starting in your dryer.

The remedy of course, is to ensure the lint filter is cleaned out regularly, and that there are no obstructions to the outflow of heated air.

However, according to Fire Chief Ken Benoit of the Terrace Bay Fire Department, another fire concern related to dryer filters has recently surfaced. Even though the lint has been removed and the filter appears to be clean, certain fabric sheets used in the drying cycle, can cause a thin clear film to develop on the filter, forming a barrier which restricts the air from properly exhausting from your dryer.

A quick test to see whether this film exists, is to take your filter to a sink and run water into it, while observing whether the flow can easily pass through the mesh, or just pools in the filter. If the flow is unable to pass through - a thorough filter cleaning is required.

Use a very soft nylon brush and warm soapy water to clean your filter, and repeat the above test - the flow should no longer be restricted. Repeat this cleaning every six months.

Just a simple test and a few minutes of cleaning can go a long way to keeping your family safe.