Having a clothes dryer installed in your home is a great convenience. You no longer have to take out the washed clothes into the backyard and wait the entire day for the sun to dry them out. However, according to https://www.huffpost.com, lint accumulation in the dryer exhaust not only reduces its operating efficiency but is also a fire hazard. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, there are 2,900 fires due to home clothes dryers every year and the biggest reason is the failure to clean the dryer vent. Some common dryer vent cleaning mistakes you should take care to avoid:
Forgetting to Switch Off and Unplug the Dryer
Many people forget to take the most elementary step of switching off the dryer and unplugging it from the wall socket. By doing this, you can prevent the chances of getting an electrical shock that can have very nasty consequences, including serious injuries and even death. If the dryer is powered by gas, you need to turn off the supply to avoid the gas from leaking.
Not Using the Right Equipment
It is a common assumption that you can clean the accumulated debris with your hands; however, the lint buildup is not only at the vents but also all along the duct, which can only be removed using professional tools or by calling in a dryer vent cleaning company. You should also be careful when you try to clean long vents by yourself since it is very easy to damage the vent and then you have to incur a lot of expenses on repairing it.
Making Alterations to the Duct by Yourself
The route that the duct takes from the dryer to the outside needs to be carefully planned and you should not try to make alterations to it without thought. Usually, you should try to ensure that the duct takes the shortest route to the outside for reasons of safety as the exhaust can get quite hot and cause fires if it is routed through the attic or crawlspace. You should limit yourself to only cleaning it as rerouting calls for professional expertise. More info at airqualitytech.com on duct rerouting.
Neglecting to Inspect the Duct for Damage
Cleaning the dryer duct is not something that you will do frequently. This makes it the perfect occasion for inspecting the duct for damage when you do move the dryer and unclamp the duct to clean it. If the damage or deterioration in the surface is not too much, it can be repaired, however, if it is extensively damaged, it will call for replacement.
Bending the Duct Unnecessarily or Too Much
Since ducts are quite pliable, there is always the temptation to bend them for your convenience. However, sharp bends and turns make it more difficult for the exhaust to operate and tend to encourage lint to accumulate inside. There is also the chance that the duct itself may break due to the stress of the bend.
Conclusion
Keeping the dryer vent free of accumulated lint and debris is very important. However, the cleaning process should be carefully planned to prevent things from becoming worse. The best way is to ask a professional company to do it for you.
