Cleaning Your Dryer Vent Benefits
If your clothes dryer feels like it’s taking forever to dry your clothes, or it’s over heating, then it’s probably time to clean your vents. A clogged dryer vent not only lengthens the time it takes to do a load of laundry, but it is also a major fire hazard. Lint is highly combustible and builds up quickly in the lint trap, as well as in the vent pipe.
In addition to being a fire hazard, a clogged dryer vent can also cause your dryer to overheat and break down prematurely. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, clothes dryers are responsible for 15,500 fires each year, so it’s important to keep your dryer vent clean to prevent a disaster.
Cleaning your dryer vent is simple and only takes a few minutes. You can do it yourself with a vacuum and a brush attachment, or you can hire a professional to do it for you. Either way, it’s important to do it regularly to ensure your dryer runs efficiently and safely.
How To Clean Your Dryer Vents
If your dryer vents are full of lint, it’s not only a fire hazard, it’s costing you money. Every time you run your dryer, lint builds up in the vent, making it harder for air to flow through. This means your clothes take longer to dry, and your dryer has to work harder, which uses more energy and costs you more money.
Cleaning your dryer vents is easy, and only takes a few minutes. You’ll need a vacuum with a brush attachment, and a long-handled dryer vent brush. First, vacuum out the lint trap with the brush attachment. Then, disconnect the dryer vent from the dryer. Using the brush, reach into the vent and brush out all the lint you can reach.
Next, vacuum out the vent itself. Start at the dryer end, and work your way out. Make sure to get all the lint off the walls of the vent, as well as any lint that’s accumulated inside the dryer. Once you’re done, reconnect the dryer vent and turn on the dryer to make sure everything is working properly.
Cleaning your dryer vents regularly will save you money and help prevent a fire.