Dryer vent cleaning is an important task to stay on top of for anyone who lives in a climate that experiences cold winters. Keeping your dryer’s vent clean allows the clothes you put into it to dry more quickly, conserving energy and time. Here is what you should and shouldn’t do when cleaning your dryer vent.
1. Do – Clean and inspect your dryer vent regularly
Regularly cleaning and inspecting the dryer vent can help prevent clothes from becoming stuck, which allows them to dry more quickly and effectively. It can also help prevent a buildup of lint, which could potentially cause a fire if not removed. You can use cleaning extension rods for the tougher, hard-to-reach places. This helps avoid future buildup and saves time and energy.
2. Don’t – Pack the vent with excess lint
Do not try to clean your dryer vent by packing it full of lint from inside the dryer. The excess pressure could cause a clog, leaving your clothes covered in lint when they come out. If you do find that your vent has a clog, do not use harsh chemicals to remove it. You can use a solution of baking soda and water, as this is a safe and effective way to remove excess lint. Lint is also one of the main causes of fire in clothes dryers, so keeping your vent clean is vital to ensuring that you are safe.
3. Do – Inspect your vent regularly for damage
Damage to the venting can cause excess pressure on the system, which could lead to clogs. If you do find some damage to the venting, it is important to have it fixed as soon as possible. Inspecting is just as important as cleaning and can be done at the same time.
4. Don’t – Try to clean the venting manually with a brush
Manually cleaning the dryer’s vent is not recommended because it can cause damage. This could include stretching or tearing of the vent, which leads to lint build-up and reduction in airflow. It could also lead to clogs and costly repairs down the road. If you do find that your vent has been damaged, contact an expert for repair work as soon as possible before further damage occurs.
5. Do – Turn off electric and gas supply before starting maintenance
It is advised that you turn off both the power and gas supplies to your dryer when trying to keep running at its best. It is not advised that you do it with the power on, as this poses a fire risk. If you have a gas dryer, make sure to check your knobs and valves for any issues before turning them off. If they are broken or damaged in any way, replace them right away.
6. Don’t – Continue to use your dryer if there is a clog
It is important that you don’t try to keep using your clothes dryer if there is a clog present. This could mean safety for yourself and those living around you, as the build-up of lint can cause fires. If you find out that there is a clog after cleaning, call an expert right away before continuing to use your dryer. A clog can be very difficult to get rid of, so having it dealt with by a professional ensures that your dryer is safe.
7. Do – Contact an expert for help if needed
If you do find that there is a clog in the venting, and can’t clean it yourself, call an expert right away. Hiring a professional ensures that your vents will be cleaned properly and reduces the risk of future buildup or damage to your venting system. You should also know when to replace vents entirely, which could save on repair costs down the road. Your clothes dryer’s safety is important, so if you notice any strange noises coming from it after cleaning, don’t hesitate to ask someone for help. It’s better safe than sorry!
Why is dryer vent cleaning important?
Regular dryer vent cleaning is vital to ensure that your clothes dryer runs efficiently, safely, and effectively. If you fail to have it cleaned regularly, you could be at risk for a buildup of lint or even fire due to excess pressure in the system. A clogged dryer vent also means that not enough air will get through. This means that your dryer will take more time to dry your clothes.
Is hiring an expert really necessary?
Hiring a professional is important because it ensures that your vents are cleaned effectively and safely, reducing risks for damage or fires. It’s also less time-consuming than trying to clean the vents yourself. Using harsh chemicals can be harmful to you and your dryer, even though they might work in the short term. Dryer vent cleaning isn’t something that should be overlooked, as it could save on expensive repairs down the road.
It is important to clean your dryer vent on a regular basis, as it ensures that the whole system runs efficiently and effectively. You could be putting yourself and those around you at risk if you ignore this critical first step of any good laundry routine. Regularly cleaning the vents helps you with everything you need and makes sure you won’t have problems with your dryer.
