How do you maintain your clothes dryer?
You can take care of your own dryer by being sure that the lint catcher is cleaned before and after each use. This means simply pulling out the lint trap and removing the lint particles and other bits of fabric that gets caught in it. That is not the end of it, however. Some of the lint will always escape into the duct and outside, so regular yearly maintenance to ensure proper dryer duct cleaning must be done.
Dryer fires are more common than people realize. The United States Fire Administration says that there are about 2900 house fires each year caused by faulty clothes dryers, with 34% of those fires being attributed to dryers that are dirty or have not had a proper dryer duct cleaning. This is easily preventable with proper attention. Don’t forget that each load of laundry contains lint, and lint buildup starts the fires.
Some warning signs that the dryer may not be operating properly are as follows:
- the clothes take longer to dry than normal
- the outside of the dryer gets hot
- the clothes inside are hotter than usual at the end of the cycle
- the outside exhaust vent does not open very much, indicating that it might be clogged up
- the laundry room is excessively humid, or there is a burnt smell in the air.
To avoid problems, be sure that your duct work is up to code, that your dryer has been inspected, that dryer duct cleaning has taken place, and that the system was installed by professionals. Annually, it should all be given a good clean. Be sure that the outside vent is properly covered. Anything could get in if it is not.
If you wish to do this yourself, you will need a couple of special brushes — a long bristle brush for the lint filter area, and a big, round brush to go into the 4-inch tube that vents outside. These will allow you to be sure that the lint is out of there. Check to be sure that the back of the dryer is clear as well to ensure a full dryer duct cleaning.
But you don’t have to do it yourself.
If you do not wish to perform the dryer duct cleaning yourself, you can call professionals. Like cleaning the furnace or air conditioner, it’s a thing that can—and sometimes should—be left to those who know what they are doing. They can do it faster, and easier, and you can be sure that it will be done to code as well. Hiring professionals means that the job will be done properly—and tested.
A dryer duct cleaning professional will clean your dryer and perform your dryer duct cleaning according to the NADCA’s Dryer Exhaust Duct Performance standard, so that’s one less thing to worry about this winter.