Did you know – lint traps in residential and commercial dryers only capture 60% of lint. The remaining 40% is taken out. Over time, damp lint can build up in the drain. The result is a clogged pipe that gets tighter over time, which can be a fire hazard! According to the National Fire Protection Association, 16,000 laundry room fires occur each year.
Additionally, the CPSC estimates that more than $84.4 million in property damage occurs each year. This is https://energyhomeservice.ca/air-duct-cleaning/dryer-vent/ a fact that needs to be taken seriously. State fire chiefs recommend that you clean your dryer vents once a year or so for your safety.
Here are some signs that your dryer vents may need cleaning:
If your clothes take more than one cycle to dry, or if your clothes are very hot after drying, this is a good sign that your vents need cleaning.
If the clothes have an odor after drying.
If your dryer shuts down or stops during a cycle, the element may be overheating due to clogged plumbing.
If there is too much lint in the back of the dryer.
If the outer vent has fluff covering the outside of the vent cover.
Here are the benefits of a clean dryer vent:
Reduce laundry time.
Avoid dryer element replacement costs.
Improve drying quality
Save on utility bills.
Stop Dryer Fires!
So, how do you clean dryer vents? If you plan to do it yourself, follow the steps below.
1. Get the right tools. For this task, you will need at least 10 to 15 feet of outlet and extension hose from the outside of the dryer, depending on the length of the dryer vent. Next, you’ll need a flex cable with a brush on the end (available online) to meander through the pipe, and finally, a dust mask and gloves to protect you from the wind. Prevents lint from spreading.
2. Disconnect the dryer from the flexible duct and clean the back of the dryer and any lint that has accumulated under the dryer. Check the hose and replace it with a new one if damaged or with holes. The first part of the process will involve running the flex cable and vacuum through the dryer from inside the house. The second part of the process involves the same item just going through your dryer.
3. Use a brush to run the flexible snake through the dryer vent duct as far as it will go, being careful not to go any bends or angles that could cause the cable to get stuck in the ductwork, or you’ll get what I will have difficulty with. come out. Vacuum the loose lint with a vacuum cleaner and hose. Insert the hose into the drain as far as possible.
4. Locate where the dryer leaves the house. Remove all dryer vent hardware to gain access to the duct.
5. Repeat the process outside, inserting the flex cable into the duct (towards the dryer) and sucking up the loose lint. By connecting the dryer to a flexible duct in the house and turning on the dryer, any remaining lint will be blown out of the duct. Finally, replace any hardware outside the home.
You might be surprised by the amount of lint you suck up. In some cases, you can remove several pounds of lint. Either way, you can avoid a fire disaster and keep your dryer running smoothly for years to come.
John McTighe has 15 years of experience in the cleaning and maintenance business. If you want to learn anything about dryer vent cleaning, you can visit his blog on cleaning and maintenance.
