Dryers are the number one source of fire in the home and we use them a lot. Lint will collect and build up slowly and gradually without us even realizing it. Cleaning out the air filter after each use does nothing to clean the dryer vent. The lint forms from the clothes when the water is removed during the drying process and will start building up on the crevices deep inside the lint filter trap and all along the dryer vent hose. In 1999, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPC) reported that out of 15,000 fires studies in a year, electric dryers were over 2.5 times more likely to cause fire than gas dryers. And the fires started in either the dryer venting or the lint trap.
Signs that Lint May be Building Up in Your Dryer Vent
You may be having lint buildup if your clothes are not completely dry when the cycle ends or clothing takes longer and longer to dry. Other signs could be that clothes feel hotter than normal when the cycle is completed or the flapper on the inside does not open which means low exhaust. If the outside of the dryer gets very hot, a burnt smell is noticeable in the laundry room or the laundry room is becoming more humid than normal; lint may be building up.
Ways to Decrease Dryer Vent Buildup – Between Professional Cleanings
Operating the dryer for 30 to 40 minute intervals per batch which will allow more air to circulate inside the dryer, producing less lint from building up. If possible, hang heavy bedding, pillow and large items outside to dry. Try to limit the amount of dryer sheets you use, as well as fabric softener in the washing machine because residue from the dryer sheets can clog your dryer’s lint filter and the fabric softener can leave chemicals and oils that can become flammable in the dryer. Use a shop vac to clean up around vents of the dryer from time to time. Consider a ventilation cap for the flap on the outside of the house to prevent birds from nesting there while allowing debris to exit. Vacuum around the lint trap to remove debris and extra lint that may be accumulating. If you have some knowledge of your dryer you can periodically remove the back of the dryer and vacuum the lint out that may be trapped behind the machine. You need to make sure the dryer is unplugged before you attempt this service
Hire a Professional Air Duct Cleaning Service to Clean Your Dryer Vent
It’s a good idea to hire a professional to clean your dryer vent as they have the know-how. The dryer will need to be moved and the gas or electrical lines will need to be disconnected. Trained technicians do this on a daily basis so it’s worth the added cost to keep your appliance and your family safe. If a professional happens to damage your dryer when they’re working on it then the cost is on them, not you because they are bonded and insured. A wet-dry shop-vac isn’t enough to do a thorough cleaning. Professionals have specialized equipment that makes the job easier and more efficient.
Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning in Orange, Santa Ana, Rancho Cucamonga, Anaheim, Whittier, Riverside, Chino & Fullerton California
The U.S. Fire Administration recommends that dryer vents be cleaned once a year to reduce the risk of fire, gas leaks and a large energy usage for operating your dryer. Contact the experts at Leading Carpet Cleaning for your next dryer vent cleaning.
