Regular dryer vent cleaning helps to improve its overall performance by getting rid of lint, dirt, and other debris that obstruct the dryer’s performance. It involves more than just removing dirt from the filter because other crucial areas need to be checked and thoroughly cleaned. First, you need to inspect the dryer, remove the obstacles, clean the area behind the dryer, and finish up the process by cleaning the drum and lint trap. In this article, we will be discussing the best time to do dryer vent cleaning, signs that your dryer vent needs to be cleaned, and the benefits of regular dryer vent cleaning.
When to do dryer vent cleaning?
A dryer is a charming device that produces warm, dry, and fluffy clothes. However, the only way it can continue doing so is through proper cleaning and maintenance.
Dryer vent cleaning needs to be done at least once per year!
Cleaning the dryer duct regularly allows the device to function safely at its optimal level to bring the desired outcome. The best time of the year to clean your dryer vent is during the fall and spring seasons. The idea is to have the dryer working during summer and winter but have it professionally cleaned in the fall and spring before you move into the next season.
Reasons why;
- Helps you deal with the heavier clothes of winter
Summer is the light season for doing laundry since short-sleeved shirts and tiny shorts pay homage to the hot weather. It is quite different from winter when the long sleeves and thick pants come out. Lighter attires to clean mean less weight to the dryer and less drying time. Summer garments are mostly made of nylon and can be easily hung to dry. However, the heavier clothes of winter take longer to dry than summer clothes and thus would require your dryer vent to operate at its maximum efficiency.
- To avoid filling the lint trap faster
We tend to pull out our cozier clothes during the cooler nights of winter. Since these clothes are a little fuzzier compared to their summer counterparts, they fill up the lint trap faster. If you cleaned your dryer vent and lint trap during the fall season, you reduce the amount of lint buildup that can occur when cleaning heavier clothes during winter. The same can be said for pillows, quilts, and other bedding products that introduce much fluff and feathers into the dryer duct.
- Creates an eviction notice for rodents and unwanted visitors
Fall is the time when many rodents, bugs, reptiles, and birds tend to take refuge in areas that are cozy such as the dryer vent. Cleaning your dryer duct during the fall season prevents them from damaging or causing more harm to the device. Not only will this improve the efficiency of your dryer during the winter season but also increases its lifespan in the long run.
Signs that your dryer vent needs to be cleaned
- Less drying time
The biggest sign that your dryer vent needs a thorough cleaning is when your clothes take a long time to dry. There are instances when the clothes don’t get dry at all. The efficiency of your dryer drops consistently when lint piles up in the dryer duct. It reaches a time when the device doesn’t dry the clothes at all.
- Slow airflow
It is important to periodically check the airflow of your dryer every time you want to use it. A weak or absent air flow means that your dryer vent needs cleaning. The best way to check the flow of air is at the exterior vent cover.
- It gets very hot
The dryer itself and the drum can get very hot when the dryer vent is dirty. The reason behind this is that the lint in the dryer impedes air flow which reduces the ability of heat to escape to the outside of the dryer.
Benefits of regular dryer vent cleaning
Getting rid of lint, dirt, and other debris that clogs your vent creates a dramatic difference in how fast your clothes dry. Besides speeding up your drying time, they can also help reduce fire hazards. The possibility of lint igniting goes up when the duct is clogged or restricted goes up because lint is highly flammable. Lastly, it extends the lifespan of the dryer so that it doesn’t work as hard as it was designed to.
It is essential to regularly clean and maintain your dryer vents as it helps maximize efficiency and extend their lifespan. Cleaning dryer vents can turn out to be a quite involving and delicate procedure if you have never done it before. Consider hiring an expert to clean your dryer vent if you don’t want to risk damaging or impacting its performance.
