If you use a dryer at home, it’s important to keep it clean and safe. One of the biggest problems with dryers is lint buildup. Lint is the fuzzy stuff that comes off your clothes when they dry. It might not seem like a big deal, but too much lint can block the vent and even start a fire. Every year, house fires happen because people didn’t clean out their dryer vents. The good news is, it’s not hard to stop that from happening. Although sometimes this can be a DIY task, it is usually advised that you seek the help of a professional like Dryer Vent Doctor in order to ensure success.
Aside from the fact that you need to have your dryer vent cleaned once a year, you should always clean out the lint trap every time you use the dryer. This is the little screen inside the dryer that catches most of the lint. If you leave it full, air can’t flow the way it should. That makes your dryer work harder and get hotter, which is dangerous. Simply pull the trap out, take off the lint, and put it back. If you use dryer sheets, wash the screen once a month with warm, soapy water. Dryer sheets can leave a film on it that blocks airflow.
In order to be more thorough, you can check the vent hose behind your dryer every few months. Lint can get stuck in there too. Unplug your dryer, move it away from the wall, and take the hose off. A professional will use a vacuum or a long brush to clean it out. If your dryer has a plastic or soft foil vent hose, it’s a good idea to replace it. Those types can crush easily and catch fire more quickly. A metal vent hose is safer and smoother inside, so lint doesn’t get stuck as easily. The vent on the outside of your house will also need a quick cleaning in order to prevent continuous lint buildup. That’s where the hot air and lint come out. One may check it every now and then to make sure it isn’t blocked. The flap should open when the dryer is running. If you see lint or leaves around it, clean them out. Sometimes birds or bugs try to get in there also. This can cause many more problems if left unattended.
Unfortunately for those that use dryer sheets and fabric softeners, these products can leave behind a waxy coating that builds up over time. That coating can block the lint trap and vent, making things worse. Even if you do everything right, lint can still build up deep inside the vent. That’s why it’s a good idea to have your dryer vent professionally cleaned once a year. If your clothes are taking longer to dry, or if the dryer feels too hot, those are signs that the vent might be clogged. Blocked vents can cause mold growth along with higher energy bills due to your dryer working overtime. The warm air that is supposed to travel to the outside of your home can get directed back in. This can cause breathing problems for those with heightened allergies.
Basically keeping your dryer safe doesn’t take much time. Just clean the lint trap, check the hose, and make sure the outside vent stays clear. These simple steps can help your dryer last longer, work better, and most importantly, keep your home safe from fire. Neglecting a clogged vent can lead to potential costly repairs down the road. If you are in need of a cleaning or you have a few questions on the subject, give us a call today and set up a free estimate with one of our experts.