Dryers make life easier; they have become an indispensable component in every household, enabling individuals to dry their clothes both faster and more efficiently. However, most people are unaware of the risks associated with clogged dryer vents, which also can potentially cause disastrous fires from building lint in their dryers. Actually, thousands of home fires annually involve dryers, which makes dryer maintenance and repairs regular cleaning very important for safety reasons.
In this tutorial, we will go over common causes for lint to build up, the hazards associated with it, and a simple step-by-step method to prevent their occurrence to ensure that your dryer works both smoothly and safely.
Why Lint Build-Up is Hazardous
Every time you use your dryer, it filters out the minute fibers of your clothing known as lint. If not regularly cleaned out, they will accumulate in the venting system of your dryer creating a fire hazard. As this is an area where heat can be retained and the lint is extremely easily ignited, dryer fires are an all-too-common problem that is also highly preventable.
Steps to Prevent Lint Build-Up
Clean the Lint Trap After Every Use
Cleaning the lint trap after every use is one of the easiest and most effective ways of preventing the accumulation of lint. Take it out, carefully brush off the lint, and set it back in place before you start a new cycle. Such a small habit will go a long way in maintaining dryer safety.
Clean and Check the Dryer Vent
Your dryer’s venting system tends to build up with lint over time – all the way from the back of the dryer to the outside of your home. At least annually, you should inspect and clean it to help avoid dryer fires.
- Pull dryer away from power source and unplug it.
- Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to clean inside vent.
- For those hard-to-reach areas, it is often helpful to use a particular type of dryer vent cleaning kit to facilitate the removal of lint and other solid particles.
Exhaust Duct
The exhaust duct carries hot air out from your dryer and out of your home. After some time, the lint gathers inside this duct and creates reduced airflow or overheating problems.
- Regularly inspect the exhaust duct for any signs of damage or kinking.
- Clean the duct once a year by removing it from the dryer and using either a brush or vacuum to remove the lint that will inevitably have accumulated inside.
Keep the Area Around the Dryer Clean
Lint and dust will also build up outside of the dryer. Keeping the area around the appliance clean and clutter-free will contain the problem if something should occur, reducing the chance of fire spreading. Sweep or vacuum the floor regularly around the dryer to prevent the accumulation of lint next to the source of heat.
Schedule Professional Maintenance
While routine cleaning might be fairly simple to keep up with, it is important to employ a professional each year to care for this appliance to ensure it runs effectively and safely. A professional technician will be able to inspect all internal components, clean the venting system properly, and recognize future hazards that could prove disastrous if left unchecked.
The Financial and Safety Benefits of Dryer Maintenance
Keeping up with dryer maintenance not only prevents fires but prolongs the life of your appliance. A well-maintained dryer works more efficiently, which reduces energy consumption and lowers utility bills. It’s a win-win situation: your home stays safe, and you save money on both repairs and energy costs.
Conclusion: Small Steps for Big Safety
Cleaning the lint trap in your dryer for a few minutes after every use and periodically inspecting the vent and the exhaust duct will go a long way in preventing dryer fires. Whether it is a do-it-yourself cleaning or professional cleaning, safety for your dryer is paramount for the protection of your home and family. Don’t wait until there’s a problem; start preventing lint buildup today to keep your dryer running safely and smoothly.
If you need more tips on taking care of your home appliances and saving yourself from costly repairs, visit Crispme.
