Simple Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Dryer Vent Clean

Cleaning up your dryer vent may not be very high on your priority scale of home maintenance chores but is of utmost importance with regards to safety, energy and the life span of your appliance. Blocked dryer vents may be very dangerous in terms of fire, they can delay your drying process, and they can overload your dryer. But again, this does not mean that you should live with a messy dryer vent; some simple maintenance tricks are all what you need to maintain a clean dryer vent and make your appliance run at its best.

Periodical Washing of Lint Traps

Lint trap is the simplest and initial maintenance of a clean dryer vent. Get into the practice of removing and cleaning away the lint screen after every load. The trapped lint may accumulate in the trap creating a blockage in the circulation of air in your dryer leading to overheating which results into putting your dryer through extra effort to dry. A little lint left after the washing process can also lead to bigger issues along the whole line of the vent.

Vent Outside Check

Inspection of the exterior vent hood should be conducted at least once a month. Ensure the opening of the vent flap during the operation of dryer and ensure that it is not blocked by lint, debris, and nests. A ventilated dryer guarantees the free circulation of air outside your machine. When you feel that air is not strong or not coming out of the vent at all, then it is possible that there is a block in the ducts.

Vacuum or Dryer Vent Brush

In spite of the frequent cleaning of the lint trap, the lint may still gather in the dryer vent hose. Make it a habit of unplugging the dryer and removing the vent hose at the back after every few months. Slither your hand into the vent to clean out the lint pile up using a vacuum with hose attachment or a long-handed dryer vent brush. This is a basic and routine job which helps in keeping a dryer vent clean and eliminates a fire hazard.

Make the Right Vent Materials Selections

Ensure your dryer duct is constructed of rigid or semi-ridged metal duct. Flexible plastic or foil vent hoses – Avoid these because they sag and cause lint build up which may result in a blockage and excessive heat. Metal ducts with smooth walls can facilitate the air flow and have fewer chances of being clogged up hence provide a safe, clean dryer vent system.

Do Not Overload the Dryer

When you overload your dryer, it takes longer to dry and becomes hotter than usual hence more lint is produced. The huge loads will also make the appliance have increased wear and tear. The effort to maintain a clean dryer vent over time is helped out by adhering to manufacturer recommendations in terms of the size of loads to ensure your dryer works the most efficiently.

Book a Professional Cleaning at an Annual Basis

Although DIY appears to be incredibly important, it is certainly worth arranging a professional dryer vent cleaning once per year, at least, especially in case of large families or regular usage of dryer. The technicians possess the special equipment to clear up the deep blockage and find out the possible problems in the duct system. Their services also make it clear that your clean dryer vent is not a superficial thing but that of clearance.

Final Thoughts

It is not only a performance issue of having a clean dryer vent, it is also a safety issue, efficiency and also saving money in the long-term. When taking just minor care such as cleaning lint traps, sight-seeing the dryer, and rooting out every now and then, your dryer will be as good as new and you will literally save your house undue hazards. Take care of dryer vents just as it has become a habit with you and relax.