Dryer vents are an often overlooked aspect of household maintenance. Most people know that it is important to regularly clean their lint traps, but few think about cleaning the vents themselves. This can be a serious mistake, as clogged dryer vents can pose a fire hazard and decrease the efficiency of your dryer. In this blog post, we’ll go over the dangers of not cleaning your dryer vents and explain how to do it yourself or when to call a professional.

Hazards of Dirty Dryer Vents

Dirty dryer vents are a serious fire hazard. Lint and debris can build up in the vents, which can cause a blockage. When a blockage occurs, it can trap heat inside the vent, causing it to overheat and potentially start a fire. The US Fire Administration reports that there are an estimated 2,900 clothes dryer fires in residential buildings each year, causing an average of five deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property damage.

In addition to the fire hazard, dirty dryer vents can also reduce the efficiency of your dryer. When your dryer is not able to properly vent, it can take longer for clothes to dry and can use more energy, leading to higher energy bills. In addition, if you have to run your dryer for longer periods of time to get your clothes dry, it can wear out the machine more quickly and result in costly repairs.

Cleaning Your Dryer Vents

Cleaning your dryer vents is a fairly simple task that you can do yourself, but it is important to do it regularly to reduce the risk of fire and improve efficiency. Here are the steps to follow to clean your dryer vents:

  1. Unplug your dryer: Before you start cleaning, unplug your dryer to ensure that it cannot accidentally turn on while you are working on it.
  2. Locate the outside vent: The outside vent is where the air from your dryer is expelled. It is usually located on the side of your house near the dryer.
  3. Remove the vent cover: The vent cover can be removed by unscrewing it or by pressing the spring clips to release it.
  4. Vacuum the vent: Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove any lint or debris that may have accumulated inside the vent. Be sure to reach as far into the vent as possible to remove as much debris as possible.
  5. Clean the vent cover: Use a damp cloth to clean the vent cover and any debris that may have accumulated on it.
  6. Reattach the vent cover: Once the vent is clean, reattach the vent cover and screw it back in place.
  7. Vacuum the lint trap: Finally, vacuum the lint trap in your dryer to remove any lint or debris that may have accumulated there.

If you are uncomfortable with cleaning your dryer vents yourself, it is best to call a professional. They have the tools and expertise to safely and effectively clean your vents, and they can also check for any other potential issues with your dryer that may need to be addressed.

In conclusion, cleaning your dryer vents is an important task that should not be overlooked. Regular cleaning will reduce the risk of fire and improve the efficiency of your dryer, saving you time and money in the long run. If you are not comfortable with cleaning the vents yourself, it is best to call a professional to ensure that it is done properly and safely.

 

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Still don’t believe it?

https://patch.com/california/ranchosantamargarita/weekend-dryer-fires-orange-county-prompt-oc-fire-warning

https://patch.com/california/ranchosantamargarita/dryer-fire-wakes-rancho-santa-margarita-neighborhood

Lives are at risk, don’t let it be yours…