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When it comes to your everyday appliances, you can never be too careful.
A TikTok user’s routine dryer cleaning took a shocking turn when a repairman revealed her appliance had a dangerous lint buildup—despite her regularly emptying the lint catcher.
The incident highlights an often overlooked fire hazard that every homeowner needs to be aware of.
Cleaning your dryer vs. keeping your dryer clean
When TikTok user Southernescape decided to clean out her dryer, she was surprised how much lint buildup there was.
In addition to cleaning out the lint trap, she went the extra mile by using a vacuum with hose attachment to clean the lint trap housing, the vent hose, and the dryer duct in the wall.
Still, when she went to check the exterior vent outside of the house, she noticed the flap was not moving, even though the dryer was on. That’s when she realized it was time to call a professional.
The repairman confirmed the exterior vent was 100% blocked by lint buildup, and said it was a wonder that the house did not burn down. Her story is not an unusual one.
National Fire Protection Association data for 2024 reveals an estimated 15,970 home fires annually are attributed to dryers, with a significant portion directly linked to lint buildup.
Homeowners should also have their dryers professionally serviced once a year with a thorough cleaning of the dryer vent and ductwork, according to appliance repair expert Phil White, director of Domestic Repairs Ltd.
“An annual professional service call is necessary to remove concealed lint, check wiring, and inspect heating elements and ducts,” he says. “Prevention is key.”
In fact, if you live in a household with larger families or pets, you should probably have your dryer serviced every six months.
“Just last week, I cleared out a vent that was stuffed with fur from this couple’s golden retriever, and it was like a wool sweater in there,” says Dennis Godynuk, a licensed dryer expert at Comfort Appliance Repair in Nashville, TN. “That’s a major fire hazard.”
Signs your dryer is in trouble
Thankfully, there are a clear indicators that your dryer is struggling and on its way to becoming a liability in your home.
“It’s like your dryer’s trying to tell you something’s off,” says Godynuk. “Say it used to knock out a load of towels in one go, but now everything’s coming out damp after two cycles. That’s a sign that airflow may be restricted.”
A dryer feeling hot to the touch can be an indicator that the unit is overheating.
“Quick check I always suggest: After it’s been running 10 minutes, touch the top,” says Godynuk. “If it’s too hot to keep your hand there, call someone.”
Because lint can smolder before igniting, a burning smell coming from your dryer is an urgent red flag, according to White. “Stop using the appliance and get a professional to look at it immediately,” he advises.
How to prevent dryer fires in your own home
Dryer safety starts with routine care.
First, ensure proper placement of your dryer. Allow for at least six inches of space between the back wall and the appliance for hoses and ventilation.
Always use rigid or semirigid metal ducting. “Ditch any flimsy plastic or foil vents—they’re fire hazards waiting to ignite, especially in older setups,” says Godynuk.
Don’t overload the drum with too many clothes. That forces the motor to work harder, which creates excess lint and extending drying times.
Empty the lint filter after every single load, and wash it once a month in warm, soapy water. “This gets rid of the near-invisible waxy film that dryer sheets and some fabric softeners leave on lint screens,” says White.
Vacuum inside the filter housing weekly to remove stray fibers, and clean the vent hose and ducting every three to six months. “Unplug the dryer, and use a vent brush or vacuum to remove any buildup of lint and fibers,” advises White.
Once a month, head outside while the dryer is on and check the vent flap. “It should be popping open strong,” says Godynuk. “If it’s lazy or stuck, trouble’s brewing.”
Arrange a professional inspection “at least once a year, no excuses,” says Godynuk. “Get a pro in with the proper tools to snake the whole system clean.”
Avoid leaving the dryer running overnight or when you’re out, so that a fire doesn’t break out when you’re not around or awake to detect it. “I’ve dealt with the aftermath of middle-of-the-night mishaps, and it’s no joke,” says Godynuk.