Why Do You Need To Clean Your Dryer Vent Duct?

It’s important to clean your dryer vent duct periodically if you want to maintain your dryer’s healthy life span. According to the US Fire Administration, 34% of residential fires are due to dirty dryer vents. Fortunately, with the right tools, this is easy to do! This article will teach you how to clean dryer ducts yourself. Cleaning the duct will save you money on your energy bills and help prevent costly repairs to your dryer. The ducts can get clogged with lint and debris that will cause strain on the dryer. Debris and highly flammable lint can build up in your dryer hose and vent duct, reducing airflow and backing up exhaust gases.

How to clean a dryer vent duct

A dryer duct or vent is the silver tube extending from the back of the dryer. It’s the part of the dryer responsible for transferring the dryer’s hot air out of your home. It provides necessary ventilation and it’s the reason for the comforting odors of clean clothes in your yard on laundry day. Cleaning the dryer vent duct will keep your dryer happy and allow it to run without clogging. Lint and debris collect in the duct over time, preventing the flow of energy, running up your energy bills as a result. Not to mention, this forces the dryer to work harder to dry your clothes. Most important, though, a clean dryer vent duct will prevent fires. Too much build up in the duct can be hazardous.

Here are the signs it’s time to clean out the dryer vent duct: 

• The dryer vent has not been inspected in over a year.

• Your clothes are taking longer to dry.

• Your clothes and the dryer’s external door feel hot.

• There is a burning smell around the dryer.

• The dryer room heats up  when the dryer is in use.

• There is debris and/or excessive lint collected around the dryer duct.

The best way to clean a dryer vent requires just a vacuum and a vent brush. 

Here are the steps to cleaning out your dryer vent:

1. Remove all laundry from the dryer.

2. Remove all lint from the lint trap.

3. Unplug your dryer.

4. Pull the dryer from against the wall so you can safely remove the duct. 

5. Gently remove the duct from the connector. This may require a screwdriver.

6. Remove the lint and debris in the duct and around the connector. Use your lint brush to push lint out of the vent duct. Use a vacuum to remove the lint in the duct.

7. Make sure the connector and duct are not clogged. If it is, use the vacuum and lint brush to remove debris and lint.

8. Replace the duct back into the connector. This may require a screwdriver.

9. Make sure all dust, lint, and debris is cleared from the dryer’s area.

10. Plug the dryer in. 

A leaf blower is also efficient at removing lint, but not necessary if you don’t have one. Cleaning your dryer vent duct puts little pressure on the machine, so no need to worry that this will damage the dryer. In fact, you will be increasing the dryer’s efficiency and life span by doing this simple chore at least once a year.

How often to clean a dryer vent

How often you should clean your dryer vent depends on how much pressure you put on it. If you are a single person household, then probably no more than once a year is necessary for cleaning out the vent. However, if you have multiple people and pets, then you are likely to have to clean at least two times a year. There is no perfect science to determine how often this chore should happen. That said, always pay attention to how your dryer is running.

Here are some factors that will increase your need to clean out your dryer vent duct:

• A large family means more clothes and more drying.

• Pets, even if they don’t shed, will add to the lint and debris that collects in a duct.

• Bulky items like blankets and thick towels that are washed frequently increase lint.

• New clothes shed more lint than older clothes.

• An older machine will require more frequent cleanings.

The best way to determine if it’s time to clean out the dryer duct vent is to not wait for the smell of burning clothes or an extremely hot dryer room, but to make a regular schedule of this chore. Consider how much pressure you are putting on the machine, and plan accordingly. If you are cleaning for a family of four then you probably want to make a schedule of cleaning out your dryer duct vent twice a year. If you have an older machine, you will likely have to add a third time to this.

In the long run, cleaning out your dryer vent duct will save you money and time. You will be maintaining your dryer’s efficiency and preventing unnecessary breakdowns. Your dryer won’t waste energy and will not become a fire hazard. 

Why choose a washer dryer extended warranty

Cleaning your dryer duct is easy to do. That said, it’s not a bad idea to consider investing in an extended warranty for your washer and dryer. These appliances are vital to your home and will break down over time. A washer dryer extended warranty can help shoulder the cost of these appliances’ repairs.

Rather than just considering a dryer extended warranty, though, a home warranty can provide more extensive coverage. A home warranty is a service contract that covers the cost of repair and replacement of your home’s systems and appliances. Liberty Home Guard is a home warranty provider that offers the most flexible coverage options in the industry.

Additionally, a home warranty will not only save you money, but time as well. As your home warranty provider, Liberty Home Guard will do all the work, arranging for a technician to complete repairs so that you don’t have to. 

Why choose Liberty Home Guard as your home warranty

Liberty Home Guard was rated the #1 Home Warranty Company by U.S. News & World Report. We offer the most flexible and comprehensive coverage in the industry. We only work with state regulated, licensed technicians and all repairs come with a 60-day guarantee. Filing claims with us is easy and our customer support team is available online and by phone 24/7. When it’s time to fix your dryer, we’ll have your back. Contact us today at (866) 225 - 7958 for a quote on an extended home warranty plan.