Save Your Home From a Fire By Cleaning Your Dryer Vent
There’s more to preventing dryer fires than cleaning the lint tray. While removing the lint after every use is important (especially after a tumble-dry of towels), you should also keep the dryer vent in mind.
The dryer vent is the vent behind the dryer that carries heat, gas, and moisture out of your home. Because it’s behind a bulky machine, it’s all too common for homeowners to ignore their vent. This can be very dangerous. A blocked or clogged vent will prevent your machine from working properly and can even cause a house fire.
Related: How to Care for Your Clothes Dryer
There are local services that can help you maintain a clean, safe dryer vent. However, in order to reap the benefits of their service, you need to have your dryer vent cleaned before a disastrous fire strikes. Heed these signs, provided by Dryer Vent Wizard, that may indicate a clogged dryer vent. Keeping a watchful eye on your laundry room machines could save your home and your family.
1. Your Dryer’s Auto-Shutoff is Kicking In
Most modern dryers come with an auto-shutoff feature. This safety measure shuts off your dryer mid-cycle due to trapped heat and moisture. Manufacturer’s install this feature because the trapped heat could be a sign of a blockage in the vent line. A blocked vent is a serious risk for house fires and should be dealt with immediately.
Related: The Right Way to Dry Clothing
2. Lint is Building Up
Everyone knows to clean out the lint tray after each use. But experts warn you should also keep an eye out for lint behind and under the washer and dryer. Excess lint behind the dryer is a sign of a clogged vent system and can be very dangerous. The lint accumulates there because it has nowhere to move through the vent.
3. Pet Hair is Everywhere
As a pet owner, you might not think twice about a little fur on a pair of jeans or sweatshirt. But keep in mind, all that mess has to go somewhere. Pet hair is a common cause of dryer vent buildup and should be monitored throughout the year. If you’re going through a particularly rough shedding period (like in the summer), you might want to check on your dryer system as well. Chances are it needs to be cleaned even more than your rug!
Related: Must-Have Cleaning Products for Pet Owners
4. You Smell Mold
A clogged dryer vent will trap heat and moisture in your dryer, which creates a perfect home for mold and mildew growth. This unpleasant smell is not something you want on your clothes, but it can serve as a warning that you should check the vent system. After a thorough cleaning, your laundry room will be safe and back to smelling like normal.
Related: Clean Your Washing Machine in 3 Simple Steps
5. Clothes Take Longer to Dry
If you find yourself wondering what’s taking your dryer so long, you might want to instead focus on the vent system. A clog or block in the vent will prevent proper airflow resulting in longer drying times. A quick call to a local washer/dryer expert can get your system back on track.
Learn more warning signs that you might have a clogged dryer vent from Dryer Vent Wizard.