Leaving your dryer unattended can be a risky business. Fires can spread quickly, and the sooner you identify one, the better chance you have of keeping your family safe and minimizing damage. Every year, there are more than 15,000 dryer fires, so it's best to avoid running the dryer when you're not at home or while you're sleeping. Modern dryers come with safety features to protect them from overheating or malfunctioning, but older models may pose a greater risk.
It's important to have a professional check your dryer every year to make sure it's working properly and that there are no potential risks. Additionally, lint build-up can trap air flow and cause the dryer to overheat, so it's important to clean out the lint trap regularly. If you take your clothes out of the dryer and notice burn marks, this is a sign that the dryer is overheating. Leaving clothes in the dryer overnight isn't bad either, as long as it has wrinkle protection and a sensor for the drying process.
However, improper ventilation practices outside of the dryer can be a contributing factor to any potential problems. To ensure your safety and prevent fires from starting in your dryer, make sure you have a professional check it every year and clean out the lint trap regularly. If you take your clothes out of the dryer and notice burn marks, this is a sign that the dryer is overheating and should be checked immediately.
