Hints from Heloise

Fri., Nov. 10, 2006

The Spokesman-Review

Dear Heloise: Every dryer has a small door or a removable panel giving access to burner-assembly compartment. At least once every year or two, this area should be checked, and any lint within should be removed. Otherwise, the lint accumulates and can be ignited when the burner lights. I used to transcribe reports for a man who investigated fires for insurance companies. Every dryer fire he investigated started in the burner-assembly area. – Joy from California

Joy, you’re right – lint is a leading cause of dryer fires. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says there are more than 15,000 fires annually attributed to dryers.

So, be sure to clean the lint trap after each load of laundry! – Heloise

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