How long has it been since you cleaned your dryer vent? Dryer vent cleaning is a household chore that often goes overlooked, but it is vital for your dryer’s safety and efficiency. In addition to prolonging drying times and increasing energy consumption, a clogged dryer is a fire hazard, too. This is because heated air from your dryer’s ducts can ignite the lint that’s accumulated overtime and cause a fire. In fact, in the US alone, the humble clothes dryer is estimated to cause more than 2,900 home fires a year.
That’s why, in order to prevent these issues, it is important to regularly clean your dryer vent and prevent clogs from forming in the first place.
In this post, we’ll share with you five easy tips to do just that.
Tip #1: Clean the lint trap regularly
Your dryer’s lint trap is its first line of defense against clogs. It is typically marked and accessible from inside or just above the dryer’s door.
Over time, lint, pet hair, and other debris accumulate on the trap to become a fire hazard. The best way of avoiding this is by cleaning the lint trap before every load of laundry.
To clean the lint trap, simply remove it from the dryer and use a brush or vacuum to remove any lint or debris. Be sure to clean the screen thoroughly because any lint that is left behind can eventually make its way into the dryer vent. Once the lint trap is clean, simply reinsert it and you’re good to go! Doing this simple step before every load of laundry can help keep your dryer vent clog-free.
Tip #2: Use a dryer vent cleaning brush
Using a dryer vent cleaning brush is another good way to prevent clogs. This flexible and telescopic brush, with its long and thin handle, is especially designed to reach inside your dryer’s vent tube and remove debris that’s accumulated there. Some dryer vent brushes can even be attached to a drill, allowing them to rotate and loosen up hard gunk as they pass through.
Using a dryer vent brush is pretty straightforward. After unplugging the dryer and removing the vent, insert the brush into the vent and move it back and forth to remove any debris. Be careful not to use too much force, however, as this might damage the inside of your vent tube. Once you’re sure all the debris has been removed, you can reattach the vent and plug the dryer in again.
Using a brush that’s designed for scrubbing dryer vents is a good way to ensure a thorough cleaning and prevent clogs, and it’s something that you can do without the need for professional help.
Tip #3: Avoid overloading the dryer
An overloaded dryer is one of the most common causes of clogs and dryer breakdowns. This is because an overloaded dryer puts strain on the motor, causing overheating. Additionally, overloading can also cause your clothes to take longer to dry and produce more lint, which will eventually end up getting stuck in the vent and cause a clog.
The best way to avoid overloading the dryer is to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the maximum load size. This information can typically be found in the owner’s manual or on the dryer itself. In general, it’s best to divide your laundry into smaller loads and dry them separately to ensure you’re not putting too much stress on your dryer and are giving your clothes enough air circulation to dry more efficiently.
Tip #4: Use a high-quality venting system
Choosing a high-quality venting tube for your dryer can also help you avoid vent clogs. Also known as dryer ducts, your dryer’s venting system is the system of tubes that carry the hot air and lint from the dryer to the outside of your home. They are available in different materials, some of which will be more suitable for your dryer’s particular set up than others.
Needless to say, a high-quality venting system will be made of durable materials and more resistant to clogs and wear and tear.
When choosing a venting system, be sure to look for one that is made of metal rather than plastic. Metal venting systems will last longer and will be less prone to clogs than plastic ones, and they’ll only be slightly more expensive too, which means you’ll be saving money by not buying cheap. You should also look for a system that has a smooth inner lining to help prevent lint from getting stuck.
Tip #5: Hire a professional for regular cleanings
While you can certainly take steps to prevent clogs in your dryer vent on your own, it’s still recommended that you hire a professional to clean your dryer once a year or so. Professional dryer cleaning services are typically very reasonable in terms of cost, and they will have the knowledge, tools, and experience to thoroughly clean your vent and ensure it is free of clogs or other issues.
How often you need your dryer cleaned will ultimately depend on factors such as the frequency of use, the length of your venting system, and your dryer manufacturer’s requirements. A good rule of thumb is to have your dryer vent cleaned every year, or more frequently if you notice any issues with its performance.
Final Thoughts
To conclude, cleaning your dryer vent is essential for extending your dryer’s life and avoiding the risk of fire from lint buildup. By following the tips outlined above, you can help to keep your dryer vent free of clogs and ensure the safety of both your home and family.
If you need help with cleaning your dryer vent or with other kinds of duct cleaning, give us a call! We offer professional dryer vent cleaning services and our team can work around your schedule and come to your home at a time that is convenient for you. We’ve cleaned the vents of just about every make and model, so you can trust us to do it correctly and safely.