Cleaning a clogged dryer vent is an essential task that should not be overlooked. It is necessary to maintain the safety of your home and guarantee that laundry day runs at its peak efficiency. The dryer's ventilation grille, which runs from the appliance to the outside, can become blocked over time, creating a fire hazard. To clean it, disconnect the duct from the wall if possible for maximum access.
Carefully, either by hand or with a dryer vent brush, remove the lint; you can use a vacuum attachment to get rid of any extra lint. Once it's clean, replace the ventilation grille and carefully put the dryer back in. Additionally, plug it back in and reconnect the gas line (and turn the gas back on).It is also important to clean the lint from the dryer's ventilation duct. Reach into the cavity with the dryer's ventilation brush and turn it gently to take out any lint.
The use of packages designed for dryer ventilation systems less than three meters long can cause a clog, making it difficult for a professional to remove the clog. It is estimated that they cause about 15,000 home fires each year and, in general, the cause is the lack of cleaning of the ventilation grilles of dryers. Knowing how to clean the dryer vent can protect your home, save some money, and make your clothes look better. To reduce how often you need to clean the dryer vent, empty the lint filter after each load to help the dryer operate more effectively and prevent fires. It is recommended to clean the ventilation grille of a dryer at least once a year. If any of these problems arise, disconnect the dryer as indicated above and check and clean the ventilation grille as needed.
Here are some of the main warning signs to look out for when trying to find out if the dryer vent is clogged:
- If your clothes take longer than usual to dry.
- If your clothes come out hotter than usual.
- If you notice an increase in your energy bills.
- If you smell something burning when using your dryer.