How To Properly Clean Your Dryer Vent
Many assume that clothes dryers simply expel all lint through their filters and out into the open air. However, this is not entirely accurate.
Facts: Lint is highly flammable, and dryer vents are a major cause of building fires. Surprisingly, a significant portion of Air Vent Medics’ clients discovered that the issue causing their dryer problems lay within the vent system, not the appliance itself.
Merely cleaning your dryer’s lint filter is not sufficient to clear the entire vent system. Often, lint and debris escape through smaller exhaust port holes in the back wall of the dryer drum, especially when the door is open. These facts are commonly overlooked, and burn marks inside the dryer can indicate this issue.
Both the lint filter passage and the exhaust hose blow hot air into the dryer’s exhaust duct, which eventually terminates outside the building. While there are retail tools available to clear exhaust lint, they may not match the quality and effectiveness of professional equipment.
Identifying and clearing blockages is a straightforward process in theory. Lint can adhere to the inner circumference of the exhaust hose, piping, and elbows, requiring agitation with specialized brushes. These brushes, attached to long, flexible rods, are used to break up and dislodge the accumulated debris, which is then blown out of the system.
Here are some important DO’s and DON’Ts:
DO:
1) Check for burn marks inside the dryer drum, indicating excessive heat caused by lint buildup.
2) Ensure the dryer hose is not kinked or bent when reconnecting it.
3) Tighten hose clamps securely to prevent leaks.
Use high-quality aluminum duct tape and hoses.
4) Test the airflow after cleaning to confirm proper ventilation.
DON’T:
1) Force brushes or tools into ducts with excessive pressure, especially within walls, to avoid getting them stuck.
2) Force brushes or tools into ducts with excessive pressure, especially within walls, to avoid getting them stuck.
3) Use flexible hoses inside walls, as they can trap more lint and pose a fire hazard.
4) Use plastic hoses, as they are flammable.
Cleaning your clothes dryer vent is a relatively simple task, but it requires attention to detail and proper technique. This guide, provided by Air Vent Medics, aims to educate and emphasize the importance of maintaining a clear dryer vent system. While some jobs may require professional expertise, most household dryer vent cleaning can be done with care and attention to detail. Remember, ensuring proper dryer operation is crucial for safety and fire prevention.