A dryer vent is a pipe measuring 4-inch that lets heated water vapor out of your dryer to the outside. If the steam is not expelled out, it can lead to moisture that accelerates the buildup of mold and mildew in the house. To keep these vents working efficiently, you need to carry out dryer vent cleaning.
Cleaning dryer vents is not an easy task. When the vents clog, your clothes take longer to dry. Clogged ducts are very dangerous because they can cause house fires. How frequently you do dryer vent cleaning depends on how often you use the dryer and your household size. When you notice that your clothes are taking longer to dry, you should consider this service.
Signs of a Clogged Dryer Vent
- Excess Drying Time
Have you noticed a change in the time your dryer takes to dry your clothes? If it takes more time than before, or if you see that some parts of your clothes don’t dry completely, it is a sign that the dryer vent is clogged, and you should consider cleaning it. The drying time for an ordinary dryer is 40mins.
- BurningSmell
Your drying dryer should not emit any burning smell while drying your laundry. If you notice a burning smell, your vent is blocked, and it needs dryer duct cleaning. The burning smell comes out due to the dryer working hard to dry the clothes.
- Hot and Humid Exterior
How does your laundry room feel? Is there a difference in terms of humidity? Also, if your dryer feels hot, it is a sign that there is lint buildup. Clogging causes moisture and heat on the dryer because they can’t get out through the vents. If the drier continues to heat, it could lead to the dryer catching fire.
What You Will Need to Clean the Vents
- Vacuum with a long hose attachment
- Gloves
- Dust mask
- Bristle brushes
- Screwdriver
Steps on Dryer Vent Cleaning
- Remove the Lint Trap Filters
It would be best if you cleaned link trap filters frequently to prevent lint buildup. After removing them, use a paper towel to wipe all the lint on the screen. Dryer sheets are also a reason why your lint trap filters have reside that build up with time. For this case, use a scrub brush, warm water, and dish soap to clean the filters. Rinse with clean water and dry with a towel.
- Clean the Lint Trap Housing
Use the brushes from your dryer vent cleaning kit to clean the lint trap housing. Loosen any lint that has stuck in and around the opening using a flexible brush. Twist the brush to get out any hard-to-reach clumps of dirt.
Ensure you have your dirt mask on. After loosening dirt in the lint, use a vacuum with a long brush attachment to suck it off.
- Disconnect the Dryer
Unplug the drier’s energy cord and pull the dryer away from the wall. Unscrew the clamp to remove the valve clamp. Then use a screwdriver to remove the end of the duct that connects to the exterior wall.
- Brush Out the Dryer’s Back, Duct, and Outside Exhaust Vent
With your gloves on, remove the lint that has accumulated at the back of your dryer with a flexible brush and use a vacuum to extract it. In the duct, use a long, bristle brush to loosen the lint. Ensure the brush reaches the other side of the vent.
If your ducts are rigid, it is advisable to replace them with smooth-walled metal ducts. These are not easy to trap dirt. Now unscrew the exterior vent cover and use a brush to clean the vent cover as well.
- Return all the Parts
After dryer vent cleaning, check if all the parts are in place and no damage. Start reattaching the ductwork by tightening the duct to the dryer and screwing the clamp back in place. Use foil duct tape to seal the vent. Do not use regular tape.
- Reconnect Your Dryer
Your dryer is clean and ready for reconnection. Plugin the energy chord and keep it running.
Hi, I am Subhajit Khara a lifestyle blogger. Besides blogging, I like to play cricket and watch CR7 playing. You can reach out to me at wittythink.com
Your drying dryer should not emit any burning smell while drying your laundry. If you notice a burning smell, your vent is blocked, and it needs dryer duct cleaning. The burning smell comes out due to the dryer working hard to dry the clothes.