Why, How, and When to Clean Your Dryer Vent
Dryer vents are the definition of something being “out of sight, out of mind”. Your dryer can run for years and years without you paying any attention to the vent, and you might never notice any problems. Sadly, though, neglecting your dryer vent can have big repercussions for the lifespan of your dryer, your energy bill, and the safety of your house. So let’s get into the nitty gritty (or maybe we should say “linty flinty”) of dryer vent maintenance.
First up: The Why
When your dryer is running, little particles of your clothes get blown off and are sucked into several different traps that keep this lint from flying all over your house and making everything extra dusty. Your dryer depends on being able to blow air through these traps, and the harder the dryer has to work to get air past the lint accumulated there, the longer your clothes will take to dry and the more energy the machine will use. Additionally, this lint is highly flammable. Blowing very hot air over very flammable material is asking for a disaster, particularly when there are staticky clothes nearby. This is why it is so important to empty the lint traps in your dryer drum before every load (many machines have more than one of these traps - check your owner’s manual to make sure you know where they all are!) It is equally important to make sure that the duct from your dryer to the outside air (also called your dryer vent) is regularly cleaned out from all the lint that accumulates in there. A dryer with clean lint traps and vents will dry clothes faster for less money, last longer before needing to be replaced, and will keep your house safer from fire risks.
Now: The How
The first step is to locate the dryer vent on the outside of your house. If your dryer is on the second floor then the vent will be, too, so you might need a ladder. Note that you will inevitably end up covered in dryer lint and dust, so dress accordingly! Remove the cover and the flaps from the vent. Set the dryer to run (often you will want to choose cool air so you don’t bake in the blast of hot air while you clean), and use a vent brush to clear all the accumulated lint and dust from the duct all the way back to the machine. Some ducts are quite long. This is easiest to do with an electric drill and special brushing attachments. Get the pros to do it if you don’t have the will or the equipment!
Finally: The When
A good rule of thumb is to clean your dryer vent yearly. In reality the frequency can depend on the model of your dryer, the amount of laundry you do, and how long the duct is that connects your dryer to the outside world. Here are a few good clues that your vent may be due for a cleaning:
Your clothes take multiple cycles to fully dry, or never seem to fully dry
The dryer vent on the side of your house is visibly linty and encrusted with gunk
Your energy bill is high for no clear reason
You’ve never had your dryer vent cleaned, or can’t remember when it was last cleaned
Dryer vent cleaning is often a quick process! Don’t put it off if you are worried about it. This is definitely a “better safe than sorry” situation, and there are plenty of pros out there who can help you out. For all of our friends in Pierce County, Washington, give Beautiful Day a call and we can come out and clear your dryer vent alongside your next gutter, roof, or window cleaning :)
You can get a free instant quote on our website right here! Or you can give us a call at (253) 414-5304. We service the greater Tacoma area, including all of Pierce County, Federal Way, and Lacey :)
