If you have a dryer at home, chances are it’s put to use very often. And with anything that’s used plenty, over time its health will begin to decline. However, your dryer’s health doesn’t have to suffer. In fact, it can be prolonged through a number of measures. Here’s why dryer vent cleaning is very important
Disconnect the Dryer Duct
When it comes to dryer vent cleaning, the first thing you obviously should do is disconnect the dryer duct. Before doing that, however, make sure to unplug your dryer first. Once that’s done, remove the dryer duct from both the back of the dryer and the vent.
Following this, you should be equipped with certain tools to clean the vent — including a vacuum and brush.
Dryer Vent Cleaning Requires Vacuuming
To properly clean your vent, you need to have a vacuum. You can also use a brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to clean out any stubborn clogs in the ductwork itself. When cleaning the vent, be sure to wear gloves and take the necessary precautions so that you don’t accidentally get injured.
You should always clean both ends of your dryer hose: at its entrance into the wall as well as at its opening onto your roof or outside wall. The filter in each end can be easily removed with a screwdriver for easy access for cleaning purposes. Finally, inspect all areas where lint may collect — this mainly includes the edge of the vent, walls around doors where steam escapes during drying cycles, and around seams where two pieces of ductwork join together.
You should also remove any excess buildup as well as anything else that looks out of place, such as cobwebs.
The PetOde vacuum available at Amazon has received rave reviews and is highly recommended for vent cleaning!
Brush the Vent
After vacuuming the vent, you’ll want to brush both the interior and exterior of your dryer’s exhaust duct for any excess buildup. As previously mentioned, you can use a brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to grab lingering residue, but using a solid and sturdy brush on its own will give the vent the deep cleaning it needs.
The brush should have stiff bristles, so it can dislodge caked-on dirt, lint and other debris. You’ll want one with a long handle so you can reach all the way up your dryer’s exhaust duct running from inside your house to outside where it exits near ground level.
The Dangers of an Unclean Vent
Did you know that, according to the National Fire Protection Association (via Westfield), nearly 3,000 dryers catch fire every year as a result of a clogged vent? With all the dangers of vent cleaning, it’s important that you take care of your home’s dryer vent and make sure it stays clean.
This is especially true if your dryer has an indoor unit in which moisture can build up and cause mold or mildew growth. If you want to avoid having any health problems from inhaling these dryer fumes, then it only makes sense to regularly schedule an inspection by a professional technician for cleaning services.
Dryer Vent Cleaning with XTRAIRE
If you’re always running your dryer, ensuring the dryer vent is clean is incredibly important. Not only will it bolster your dryer’s performance, but it can also protect your home from any damage. At XTRAIRE, our experienced HVAC technicians will be glad to assist with your vent cleaning. To learn more about how we can help, please visit our website and get in touch today!