Throughout time, you may find that it takes your dryer up to several hours to finish a bag of clothes; two or three rounds may be required rather than just one.
You may also discover that the device exterior overheats during operations, and you may even detect a smoking odor. You should clean the dryer vent whenever you observe either of these, specifically the last one.
Lint, dirt, and debris are removed and accumulate each time you use your laundry; most of it stops in the lint trapping filter. However, some make their way into the dryer vent. It begins to pile up here, resulting in an obstruction. This reduces the airflow to your dryer, lowering its efficiency.
It indicates that it would cost you money, energy, and time. It can damage your dryer, which will only add to your expenses in repairs. In the worst-case scenario, this can cause a fire breakout as well, which is life-threatening.
But you don’t have to ponder upon these problematic issues if you maintain and use your dryer properly while keeping the outlets always cleaned and free of obstructions. Now the question is how often you should do it?
This article is designed to answer such questions.
Whenever you observe any of the aforementioned issues, you must clean them right away. During routine usage, multiple times each year would suffice if the dryer seems to be in good working order.
Cleaning it doesn't take much time, probably 30 minutes at most, but relocating your machine could require assistance. It is also good to pick a whole day when it isn't raining since cleaning the outside vents could be easier.
Now you might be thinking how hard it would be to clean your dryer vent alone! Well, you could, however, consider the fact that you'll have to remove the dryer outward and then reposition it because of the pipeline.
If you have a fuel dryer, you would have to be far more careful while unplugging and shifting it. But when you are not quite sure what to do, hire an expert and try not to do it alone.
Be Prepared: You'll most likely be going through a lot of dirt and lint; in case you have allergies and other breathing issues, use a shield. Gloves are also an excellent option for safety. Because cleaning the vents will almost certainly result in clutter, bring your hoover or a mop, bucket, and brushes with you.
Be Prepared: You'll most likely be going through a lot of dirt and lint; in case you have allergies and other breathing issues, use a shield.
Gloves are also an excellent option for safety. Because cleaning the vents will almost certainly result in clutter, bring your hoover or a mop, bucket, and brushes with you.
Understand and Know the dryer: Take the dryer outward and look for the vents. If you use a fuel dryer, move it carefully to avoid damaging the fuel line.
A vent should appear on the rear of your dryer as a short 2 inches radius vent tube that connects the machine to the house. The vents would most certainly lead to the outside.
Unplug the dryer first: Remove your dryer first from the power socket. Next, disconnect any connectors or aluminum tape that links the vent to the machine's rear vents.
You must be cautious when pulling the vent out, or else you risk damaging them. You may also detach the vent from the ductwork in the sidewall if that is more convenient.
If you have a fuel dryer, cut the power and continue the procedures. Whenever it concerns fuel, and if you're not confident doing it yourself, seek professional help.
Clean the lint trap of the dryer: Use a brush to clean the lint trap. To remove unwanted lint, slide the lint trap and shake it carefully to loosen the lint and debris.
Push the brush further into the vent with your dryer vent cleaning tools and spin it as you flick back and forward between.
Clean the Vent Cover or Cap: Once you pull off the exterior vent cap, rinse it in lukewarm water, detergent washing it before reinstalling it.
Sweep every visible debris and lint you notice in the dryer vent using the suction brush on your cleaner or a bendable tube adapter.
After completing all the cleaning procedures, connect all the vents and sockets back to the initial places and power supply.
Run and test to check if your dryer is working correctly or not. If it doesn’t perform well, contact a professional for help.
Even if you take all these measures, you will need to clean your dryer vents at least twice a year to eliminate lint and waste and avoid blockages. You can further contact a vent or duct cleaning professional to clean your dryer vents for better results.
