Is Dryer Vent Cleaning Necessary?

The leading cause of house fires is lint build up from the dryer, as reported by the U.S. Fire Administration. Negligence can contribute to the cause, but the simple act of routine dryer vent cleaning can prevent it. Either way, the responsibility resides solely on the homeowner.

Dryer Vent Cleaning –
It’s More Critical Than You Think

Nobody wants their home to become a fire statistic. Learn to properly perform dryer vent cleaning and schedule this maintenance task into your routine cleaning at least twice a year.

Why Should You Clean Your Dryer Vent?

As clothes dry, lint passes through the entire duct system of the dryer vent. Although much of the lint is caught by the lint trap, some of it passes through the trap and nestles into the nooks and crevices in the dryer vent and ducts. Over time, this excess lint builds up and can clog the vent. If the dryer heats us the lint too much, it can ignite and start a fire.

How Can You Tell if Your Dryer Vent is Clogged?

So how can you tell if your dryer vent is clogged? Here are some common signs you are due for dryer vent cleaning:
  • Clothes taking longer to dry
  • Laundry room becomes more humid than normal
  • Outside of dryer hotter than usual
  • Clothes are abnormally hot at the end of the dry cycle
  • Burning smell when the dryer is operating

How do You Clean a Dryer Vent?

Every homeowner needs to know how to clean a dryer vent. This is an important part of bi-yearly home maintenance.
Materials:
  • Vacuum with a narrow attachment
  • dryer vent brush kit
Clean the Lint Trap:
  • Remove and clean lint trap – this should be done every time you run the dryer.
  • Vacuum lint trap housing – use a narrow attachment to the hose of your vacuum
  • Sweep with the dryer brush – use the brush to extend as far into the lint trap as possible and sweep and spin the brush to dislodge any lint build up, pulling it out with the brush
  • Vacuum again
  • Repeat – alternate vacuuming and sweeping with the lint brush until all traces of lint are removed.

 

how often should a dryer vent be cleaned

 

Clean the Dryer Vent:

  • Pull out dryer – you need access to the back where the duct is located
  • Disconnect duct – disconnect the duct that connects the dryer to the wall vent for cleaning
  • Vacuum – vacuum the back of the dryer and the inside of the duct
  • Use dryer brush – use a spinning motion and pull out any clogged lint from the duct
  • Vacuum – you’ve got it – vacuum again and repeat the process if necessary until thoroughly cleaned.

How Often Should You Clean Your Dryer Vent?

Wondering how often should a dryer vent be cleaned? Dryer vent cleaning should be done every 6 months, or more often if your dryer usage is significant.

Are There Dryer Vent Inspection Services?

You bet there are. The fact that clogged dryer vents can present a fire hazard is reason enough to schedule dryer delinting when you have your appliance serviced. We recommend completing dryer vent cleaning prior to inspection so the technician can confirm whether or not you have cleaned it thoroughly.

If your dryer has not been serviced for a while or it is in need of repair, don’t get stuck with dirty clothes – contact Doug’s Appliance today!