Where does the lint build up in a dryer that causes a fire?

Question

I've been smelling something "burning" when I use my dryer and therefore have stopped using it completely. The last time I did was a month ago and I literally saw smoke in the air up by the ceiling as well as saw the reflection of flames from the vents in the back when I opened up the door and looked inside. I always keep the main lint catcher clean, so it's built up somewhere else. The vent leading OUT of it is clear of lint.. so where is the lint at that is catching on fire???

Answer 1

The most obvious place is a build up of lint in the vent pipe.  If you have thoroughly cleaned than then it must be in the machines works.  You don't say if your dryer is gas or electric.  There should be a panel on the bottom front that you can remove.  Vacuum thoroughly and turn it on to see if it continues.  If you can still smell it try to locate the source.  If it is the insulation or the wiring overheating then buy a new dryer.

Answer 2

It can collect down inside the dryer. You need a long bristle brush or you can use a flyswatter end and wrap a dryer sheet on it and clean DOWN inside the trap. Also it could be gathering up underneath the dryer.

Sorry also check the OUTLET. you should always use an outlet that has a reset buttoin with a washer and dryer. Good luck

Answer 3

I hope this is a gas dryer otherwise you shouldn't see flames.  Call an appliance serviceman and depending upon the model, he will either take the front or the back off and vacuum all the lint out of it.  Also, I hope this vents to the outside.  If so, it should be in a metal pipe, not the stretchy plastic.  Lint builds up in there.  Make sure all that lints gone.  

If it builds up inside this pipe, it reduces the amount of airflow out of the machine.  Clean it out annually.

Dave

Answer 4

We take a tank vaccum to the lint trap area. Also the exaust to the outside may need replacing,especially if you have never cleaned it out..