Don't Let Your Dryer Become a Fire Hazard

Discover the Top Causes and Solutions 

 Is your dryer a ticking time bomb in your home? While we often take our appliances for granted, the reality is that a dryer left unchecked can pose a serious fire hazard. From lint buildup to overloaded loads, there are numerous factors that can turn your laundry routine into a nightmare. In this article, we'll delve into the common causes of dryer fires and provide practical tips on how you can prevent them. Don't let your dryer become a fire risk – read on to safeguard your home and family.

What Can Cause Your Dryer To Catch Fire? 

There are many, many variables that can cause a dryer fire. Electrical components, high heat, a lack of maintenance, combustible materials, faults in the equipment, and even freak accidents. 

Dryer fires are not as uncommon though as we might wish. It's so easy for us to ignore small signs that end up with big impact.

Courtesy of Atomic Dragon

 One of the biggest causes of dryer fires is due to lint buildup. This can be around the dryer frame, in the ducting, or even in the lint catch. If you do any camping, you might see people suggesting this lint as a way to start campfires. That gives you an idea of just how flammable and dry this material is. It's the bits of fluff and debris from your clothes as the dryer tumbles them and then dried out over and over until all that's necessary is a spark.

Your dryer can also catch fire if it is being overloaded consistently. We're not saying that the one time that you need to go and overload it is going to be the instance when everything catches fire. But if you're doing it consistently, your dryer will begin to struggle and grind, and possibly spark.

A fire can also happen if your dryer cannot breathe properly. If you have it boxed in with stuff on all sides or you have it pressed up against the wall, then the vents get clogged and the heat has nowhere to go except inside the dryer. All too easily, that becomes clothing overheating or that lint that we mentioned, and things catch fire.

Clothes being soaked in chemicals or oils are also a source. If you've ever worked in a kitchen or a shop, you know that you constantly need hand towels. To wipe up spills, to dry your hands off, to clean something. Now imagine somebody's distracted, and they toss them into the dryer because you need these right now, and you don't have time to wash them. We all know it, but chemicals and oils do not belong in your dryer. They will combust due to the heat.

You can also have a fire occur if the outlet isn't properly matched to the dryer plug. If you are trying to run a dryer on a standard house plug it can cause the outlet to spark because the dryer is pulling too much electricity through it.

There are also things that simply should not go into your dryer. A good example would be sneakers. Anything that is made of foam, plastic, or rubber does not belong in your dryer. These things can easily melt and combust.

One thing we do want to point out, though is that many people will point to the type of dryer being an issue. Talking about how a gas dryer is more dangerous than an electric. In fact according to the National Fire Protection Association, 78% of dryer fires are electric dryers. So while we will not say that gas dryers are completely safe, we will say that you should do your own research and consideration.

How You Can Prevent A Dryer Fire

The short answer for fire prevention is; to do the opposite of everything we listed up top.

If you want the longer and more in-depth version though, let's break it down.

Always make sure to clean the lint filter and screens after every cycle. Then, once a week or so, you can run a wet cloth around the inside of the drum and pick up anything that hasn't made it through. This cuts off one of the biggest causes of dryer fires before it has a chance to accumulate .

Courtesy of Rick Harp

You should also hire a professional once a year to clean out the ducts and vents for your dryer. Although the filters catch most things, they don't catch everything. Some of that is going to go and get stuck in the ducting of the dryer, and it is as much a danger there as it is if it gets stuck inside the filter.

Don't put items made of foam, rubber, or plastic in your dryer. Yes, it might be faster to dry your sneakers in the dryer. But your dryer is not made for that. Yes we have covered dryers with specialized attachments to handle them. But that's the point, they are specialized features with that in mind to keep your dryer safe. Plastic is just straight out. 

Don't overload your dryer with wet clothing. Your dryer is not meant to handle as much weight as we all think. About 2/3 of the way full is as much as you should ever be doing. 1/2 is better. And yes, that does mean that you'll be doing more loads of laundry but it also means you'll be preserving your dryer for much longer.

Keep the area around your dryer free of clutter. Whether it's boxes, toys, cleaning materials, just don't. Give your dryer room to breathe and, more importantly, to cool off.

Handle chemical and oil stains with care. If you are working on your car or frying lots of food in the kitchen, always pre-treat your clothes and wash them as thoroughly as possible before you ever put them near your dryer. More importantly, make sure to double-check the stain before you put it into the dryer. If it's not out after the first run through the wash, nothing says it has to go in the dryer. You can absolutely put it back into the wash or take it into your bathroom to give it another soak or a scrub by hand, which sure it's not fun, but again, this is less about fun and more about preventing fires.

What To Do If Your Dryer Catches On Fire

Heaven forbid that you ever encounter a fire in your dryer or near the electrical outlet, or in the venting, this is what you should do.

First off, stay as calm as possible. You can handle this. Even if handling this is calling in the professionals

Switch off your dryer if you can, either at the power switch or at the breaker. 

Whatever you do, don't open the door to the dryer, as that's only going to feed oxygen to the flame. It will also release toxic gases into the air and your face.

Next up, grab your fire extinguisher, as we've mentioned in other posts you should ideally have one in your laundry room. An ABC fire extinguisher, is one that you can pull the pin, point at the base of the flames, and spray from side to side. Make sure that you get the back of the unit, if possible, as well.

Remove anything from near the dryer that could be an accelerant. 

If that's not possible, evacuate the room, close the door, and call your fire department. 

Extra Benefit Of Taking Care Of Your Dryer! 

If treated properly, a dryer is a wonderfully useful appliance to have in your home, and compared to other sources, a dryer fire is rather uncommon. So, by making sure that you take care of your dryer, your dryer can take care of you. The additional benefit of regularly maintaining your dryer is a reduced utility bill. When your dryer can breathe properly it can dry clothes faster, and that means that you get more laundry done using less electricity. It also means that your dryer lasts longer.

Ultimately, dryer fires are just as destructive as any other fire type in the home. The good news is that you can prevent them. Be cautious and take care of your dryer; not only does it keep your dryer running longer, but it also keeps your home safe. 

Don't wait for a disaster to strike. Schedule a yearly reminder to inspect your dryer's vents and ducts for any blockages. Additionally, educate yourself about the signs of dryer malfunction and take prompt action if you notice any irregularities. Your diligence could prevent a potential fire hazard in your home.

If your dryer is struggling despite following the maintenance tips we've suggested, give us a call. We will work with you to determine the issue and get your dryer running properly again. While we don't handle lint removal or duct cleaning, we can diagnose any electrical or mechanical issues that it might be having.

At Appliance Rescue Service our goal is to keep your home running smoothly. You can reach out to us via our website or by giving us a call ((214) 599-0055) and we will work with you to find a time and date that fits your needs to send our technicians your way. 

Additional Reading

What is the Most Energy Efficient Clothes Dryer?

Places to Avoid: The Paw Version! 

Test Your Refrigerator IQ: True or False Signs Your Fridge Needs a Tune-Up

Learn to Decode Your Fridge's Messages and Keep It Running Smoothly 

• Your food is spoiling rapidly, even though you just bought it a few days ago.

  True! If your food is going bad much faster than is normal, it means h that your refrigerator isn't keeping cold enough. It can also mean that the refrigerant needs to be recharged or your compressor might have failed.

• Your refrigerator is supposed to ice over regularly.

  False! If your refrigerator is looking more like the inside of a glacier, you've got a problem. Rapid and excessive icing can mean a couple of different issues, but all of them mean that your refrigerator needs a maintenance check. It can be that the thermometer is dead. It can also be that the defrost function is dying. Finally it can show that your compressor is malfunctioning, although this less common than our first two problems.

• Refrigerators can vibrate and so long as it doesn’t turn your milk to butter, you’re great!

  True! It is normal for your fridge to vibrate a little every now and then, as long as it doesn't get excessive or start causing the whole thing to move.

• Your refrigerator should have large amounts of condensation gathered around on shelves and tupperware.

  False! If you've got puddles forming inside of your refrigerator, it means that your door seal has gone bad and is letting in outside moisture.

• Your refrigerator should be completely silent no matter what.

  False once more. The catch here is that while modern refrigerators are quiet, they're not yet completely silent, especially not if you have an ice maker or water line in your fridge. Those will typically thump or click when they're working. If however it's very loud, with scraping or thumping noises, that's when you need to be more concerned.

Courtesy of Jennair

• Your refrigerator shouldn't be drinking energy down the way a college student does coffee.

  While this is geared towards modern refrigerators, if you've tracked your power use to your refrigerator, you might have a damaged component. If your fridge is unable to keep its temperature regulated it's going to be drawing down more and more power trying to keep cool.

• Your refrigerator can kick on at random times.

  True! The thermometer in the fridge may jumpstart the compressor to drop the temperature right when the fridge is opened to make sure everything stays cool even with the warm outside air coming in.

• Your refrigerator gets hot because the engine is working too hard.

  True! If you're noting that your refrigerator isn't just warm but hot, it can be a serious issue. While refrigerators generate a little heat, the engine should never be hot enough to hurt. This warning sign can indicate a serious issue with the coils that are used to transfer heat away from the fridge. Repair is needed ASAP for this one.

• Leaking fluids is totally normal for your refrigerator.

  False! But you knew that one, right? While most often this will be water leaking out due to a blown hose, it can be something more serious leaking out.

• Your refrigerator is fine even if it's buzzing like a nest of bees.

  If it's buzzing CONSISTENTLY your compressor is struggling with something.

• Your fridge smelling like nail polish remover is just a thing that happens.

  False. Unless you're storing nail polish remover in your fridge, it shouldn't smell like that. If that's not the case, it is a huge issue because it means that the refrigerant is leaking and you need to have it looked at immediately.

• Your doors not staying shut happens in winter, just like it does around your house.

  False, but nice try.

  If your doors won't stay shut, and it's not because something is blocking it, it means that the rubber seal around the door has worn out.

• Having the occasional buzz is perfectly fine

  True! Buzzing occasionally isn’t something to worry about. Your fridge will make noises occasionally. It’s usually the start or end of a compression cycle, and not to worry about.

• Your refrigerator heating up the floor is a sign that the fridge isn’t working properly.

  False! Most fridges let out heat near the ground, so if you feel some warmth by your feet when standing in front of the fridge, that is normal.

How did you do? Let us know over on our Facebook page, and you can brag to your friends. 

If you’ve realized that you know these signs because your refrigerator is acting up, we’ll be happy to help.. You can reach out to us via our website or by giving us a call at 

((214) 599-0055). 

Additional Reading
Navigating the Frigidaire Refrigerator Recall

Elevate Your Culinary Experience: The Quad Door Refrigerator Advantage

Demystifying Refrigerator Types: Choosing the Perfect Fit for Your Home

37 Reasons To Have Your Appliances Maintained Regularly

Versatile and Delicious: Creamy Chicken and Veggies

Simple Ingredients, Spectacular Results

Transforming leftover chicken into a weeknight meal has never been easier! Say hello to this week’s recipe of creamy chicken and veggies. It’s the ultimate solution for a hassle-free weeknight dinner. It’s a great way to use a previous night’s chicken dinner, toss in the vegetables you have in your fridge and a handful of pantry staples to make an endlessly variable recipe.  It’s a delicious mix of flavors and textures, that’s quick to throw together and can feed a hungry family. Whether you’re looking to mix up your leftovers or just needing a comforting meal that comes together easily, this is the recipe for you. 

Ingredients:

2 cooked chicken breasts

2 tablespoons olive oil 

2 tablespoons minced garlic

1 green bell pepper 

Large can of diced tomato, drained

1/4 cup heavy whipping cream 

1 tablespoon white cooking wine

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano 

1 teaspoon dried parsley

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

Black pepper and salt to taste 

Tools:

Measuring cups and spoons 

Large heavy-bottomed skillet

Colander

Can opener 

Cutting board

Knife

Spoon

Forks 

As always, please let your first step be to wash your produce!

Once clean, take the knife and cutting board and chop your bell pepper, discarding all the rib and seeds.

Take a can opener to your can of diced tomatoes (feel free to use fire roasted, or low sodium, or whatever tomatoes you have around! The point is to use stuff you have on hand, so don't fret if you don't have plain diced tomatoes).  Flip the can into the colander to drain. It'll take a while to finish dripping, so consider moving on to another task. Either assign a little helper to watch the tomatoes or just check back on them later. Don't press them, though; you want them to retain some moisture for creating the sauce.

Next up, let's get to the chicken - drop it on the cutting board and use a pair of forks to shred it to your desired size. We went with fairly large chunks, but you can change it up. 

Add the oil to the pan and turn the burner up to medium-low. As the oil heats, add your garlic and cook until fragrant. This usually only takes a couple minutes.

Increase the heat to medium. Splash in the cooking wine, then add your peppers, tomatoes, and chicken. Give everything a stir, then allow it to simmer while you measure your basil, oregano, parsley, thyme and rosemary into the pan. Add salt and pepper at this stage if you'd like, then stir again so no one gets a mouth full of just spices later.

Once the peppers begin to soften up, you're good to measure in the heavy whipping cream. Stir thoroughly. Sometimes it takes some elbow grease to get the cream to incorporate fully.

Allow to simmer, uncovered, without increasing the heat, for at least ten minutes before serving. In the event you'd like a heavier sauce, simmer over low heat until the sauce reduces to the consistency you prefer.

Serve over rice, or over pasta, or with a roll, or just by itself. One of the great things about this recipe is that you can use the recipe with almost any grain or side that you have available or want to throw in. 

If you opt to make this recipe, let us know on our Facebook page! We want to know how you mix it up, what you add in and what you pair it with. With how versatile this recipe is, we want to see what you do with it!

On the other hand, if you’re struggling with your stove, be it electric, gas, or induction, that’s an entirely different problem and we can help. At Appliance Rescue Service, we can service any type of stove you might have. Whether you’re struggling a stove that won’t light, or it’s cutting out during use, we can help. We service every model of stove, and every manufacturer, be it foreign or domestic. If your stove is malfunctioning, we want to help.

You can reach out to us via our contact page or by giving us a call at ((214) 599-0055). We’ll work with you to set up an appointment that works for your schedule and send out one of our experienced technicians. They’ll diagnose the problem and explain what’s going on before they let you know whether they can fix it then and there or need to order in parts. From there, we’ll let you decide what you want to do. At Appliance Rescue Service, our goal is to get your home running smoothly again; whether you’re in Dallas, McKinney or Richardson, we’re here for you.

Additional Reading

Get Your Protein with This Buddha Bowl 

Jalapeno Chicken Bowtie Pasta

Unveiling the Secrets of Appliance Recycling

Maximizing Benefits for You and the Environment

Is your home plagued by the sight of old appliances gathering dust in the corners of your garage? Do you often wonder what to do with them when it's time to upgrade to newer models? Fear not, for we have uncovered a treasure trove of options for recycling your old appliances. Let's dive into the world of appliance recycling and explore the myriad possibilities that await.

Options for Recycling Old Appliances:

When it comes to recycling old appliances, you're not short on options. Here are some avenues you can explore:

1. Local Recycling Programs:

Many utility companies offer appliance recycling services, sometimes with incentives like refunds or waivers. Some states have government programs for appliance recycling, making it easy to dispose of your old appliances responsibly.

2. Retailer Pickup Services:

Some retailers provide pickup services for old appliances when you purchase new ones. Two retailers that specifically offer this service are Lowes & Home Depot. Both allow for you to opt in when you purchase a new appliance and have it delivered. There are also services that offer to haul away your appliances for you that you’ll find when researching disposal centers. Before choosing one though, make sure you look into how they handle hazardous materials. 

3. Disposal Centers:

If you have the means to transport your old appliances, you can take them to disposal centers yourself. Make sure to confirm acceptance of specific appliances and inquire about hazardous material handling before dropping them off. 

Accessing Recycling Options:

If you aren’t sure of what’s in your area, or what’s easiest, you can reach out to your local utility company to learn about more options. You can also use Earth911.com to learn more about local recycling programs using your zip code. 

Benefits of Recycling Appliances:

Recycling your old appliances doesn't just clear up space in your home—it also comes with several environmental and economic benefits:

1. Environmental Protection:

Recycling reduces landfill waste and prevents hazardous substances from entering the environment, contributing to a cleaner planet. (for more on that one, you can check out part two!)  

2. Energy Efficiency:

Recycling old appliances can lead to reduced energy consumption compared to using less efficient models, helping conserve valuable resources.

3. Resource Conservation:

By recycling metals and plastics from appliances, we reduce the need for virgin materials, conserving natural resources for future generations.

Emphasizing the Hidden Treasure of Recycling:

When you recycle your old appliances, you're not just getting rid of them—you're unlocking valuable materials and contributing to sustainability. Appliances contain valuable metals like copper, aluminum and steel that can be melted down and reused for new products.

This reuse helps to create a more sustainable future by reducing resource consumption, and means that new materials odn’t have to be dug up or synthesized. Instead of using fuel to dig up and then process and ship new materials, old ones can be reused. Which means you’re making an environmental impact on your own, and as part of your community. 

Incentives and Rewards:

Recycling your old appliances can also come with some enticing incentives and rewards:

1. Financial Incentives:

Some utility companies offer refunds, waivers, or cash for participating in appliance recycling programs, giving you a little extra incentive to do your part for the environment. You can keep an eye on their social media, your local newspaper or give them a call to learn more about how that might work. 

2. Environmental Impact:

Recycling appliances contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the ozone layer, highlighting the environmental benefits of participation.

By exploring these options and understanding the benefits of appliance recycling, you can play a vital role in creating a cleaner, more sustainable future for generations to come. So, don't let those old appliances collect dust any longer—recycle them and make a positive impact on the world!

Resources: 

City of Dallas Drop-Off Locations: The City of Dallas operates several drop-off locations for recycling various materials, including appliances. You can visit the City of Dallas website or contact their Sanitation  department for more information on locations and accepted items. https://dallascityhall.com/departments/sanitation/pages/brush_and_bulky.aspx 

Earth911.com: Earth911.com is a useful resource for finding recycling centers and drop-off locations near your area. You can use their website to search for recycling options specific to Dallas, Texas, by entering your zip code and the type of material you want to recycle.

Local Utility Companies: Utility companies in the Dallas area may offer appliance recycling services or participate in government-sponsored recycling programs. Contact your utility provider to inquire about any recycling initiatives they may have and how you can participate. 

Community Recycling Events: Keep an eye out for community recycling events or collection drives in the your area. These events are often organized by local municipalities or environmental organizations and may include opportunities to recycle appliances.

Remember to inquire about any fees, requirements, or restrictions associated with recycling appliances at these locations. Additionally, always make sure to properly prepare appliances for recycling by removing any hazardous materials or fluids and following any guidelines provided by the recycling facility.

Did any of the various benefits catch your attention? Share your thoughts with us on our Facebook page!

Remember, there are few situations with major appliances that we can't resolve. At Appliance Rescue Service, we're committed to providing our best, whether it's through routine maintenance checks or repairing your appliances. If you're not ready to give up on fixing your appliance, rest assured, neither are we. Get in touch with us via our contact page or give us a call ((214) 599-0055).

Crispy Bottoms to Raw Centers: A Chef's Nightmare

Troubleshooting the Troublemaker: Your Oven

Are you tired of your culinary creations consistently turning out over or undercooked from your oven? Don't worry, you're not alone! Dealing with such kitchen mishaps can be frustrating, but fear not, as there are solutions at hand. In this article, we'll explore common issues leading to over or undercooked food and provide practical tips to help you achieve perfectly cooked meals every time. So, let's dive in and uncover the secrets to mastering your oven!

Troubleshooting Oven Overheating:

If you consistently have trouble with your oven over- or undercooking food, you should start by ruling out various issues.

Rule out simple causes like improper bakeware or rack positioning. Some recipes need more space, like cooking a ham or turkey. If you keep other foods that need shorter cooking time that close to the bottom of your oven though, they'll end up being overcooked. Most recipes assume that you are using the middle rack in your oven unless otherwise stated. 

Use a digital thermometer to see if the temperatures that your setting your oven to are the actual temperatures inside the cavity. If not you might have a broken thermostat or a faulty temperature sensor. While looking around you should also see if your cooling fan is working properly.

Look over the inside of your oven and  inspect the heating elements.  Look to see if there is any damage or grease buildup. Both of these can cause uneven temperatures throughout your oven. 

Make sure that the vents on the outside of your oven aren't obstructed. If your oven can't breathe properly, then it won't be able to cool itself properly.

Check your oven's manual, to see if it's possible to recalibrate the temperature setting. If you don't have access to the manual any longer you could also call for a technician to help you out. 

Moving beyond oven overheating concerns, let's delve into a specific issue that often plagues home cooks: burnt bottoms and undercooked centers. Learn how to tackle this problem head-on with practical solutions to ensure your dishes come out perfectly cooked every time. 

Problem: Food is burnt on the bottom

How many times have you pulled a pizza or a sheet of cookies out of the oven to find out that they're burned on the bottom and still uncooked in the center? It's a common annoyance that many people face in the kitchen without ever knowing why. Typically, ovens have their heating elements located at the bottom, resulting in intense heat on the bottom of a pan or dish and the rest of the heat circulating more evenly around the rest of your food. 

To remedy this:

Start by adjusting the bake time or temperature, considering your food's top and middle parts.

Try using glass or silicon cookware instead of metal pans to avoid excessive browning.

Experiment with rack positioning to create more distance between the heating element and your cookware.

Consider using parchment paper to prevent direct contact between the food and the pan. (Important note here: Parchment paper is not wax paper. Wax paper will melt and ruin your food even more. Parchment paper might singe or even catch on fire if it comes in direct contact with your heating elements, but that is considerably better than having your food be completely inedible thanks to a layer of wax becoming part of it. )

As we continue our journey towards oven mastery, let's shift our focus to the fine-tuning of cooking parameters. Beyond troubleshooting, achieving consistently delicious results hinges on mastering the delicate balance between temperature and timing. Join us as we uncover the secrets to culinary perfection in the heart of your kitchen.

 Problem: Food is undercooked or overcooked

Finding the right balance between bake time and temperature is crucial for perfectly cooked dishes. Overcooked and you're dealing with dry tasteless food. Potentially even burned if you let it cook for too long. Undercooked and you're dealing with it not tasting good at the very least, and potentially it making you sick if you're not that lucky.

Here's what you can do:

Increase or decrease heat based on your food's doneness. If you get to the end of your cook time, and find out that your food is undercooked you can reduce the temperature and toss your food back in for a little bit longer. If you find out your food is overdone, unfortunately we can't turn back time. What you can do though is note that down in the recipe and make changes the next time that you choose to make this particular dish.

If your oven has trouble with consistent heat distribution, consider utilizing convection mode. This will help with the air circulating more evenly around your oven and cooking things better. 

Calibrate your oven's temperature settings for precise cooking results.

Keep an eye out for temperature fluctuations during baking, which may affect your food's outcome.

In conclusion, mastering your oven is a journey that requires patience, precision, and a willingness to troubleshoot common challenges. By implementing the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you can overcome issues of overheating, uneven cooking, and burnt bottoms to achieve culinary excellence. However, if you find yourself facing persistent oven woes, don't hesitate to contact Appliance Rescue Service for expert assistance. Remember, with the right guidance and a dash of perseverance, perfectly cooked meals are well within reach.

Join the conversation on our Facebook page and share your own tips and tricks for oven mastery!

Website

Call: (214) 599-0055

Additional Reading

Why Fall Is the Best Time For a Maintenance Check 

Oven Deep Dive