The Dangers and Signs of Clogged Dryer Vents
Your garments are taking longer to dry than normal. You smell something burning. At the conclusion of a load, your garments feel hot to the touch. Lint or debris can be seen in the dryer hose or around the outer dryer flap. You haven’t cleaned your vents in more than a year. All of these are indications that your dryer vent is blocked and needs to be cleaned. Failure to do so may result in a fire since lint is very flammable. If you observe any of these symptoms, make sure to clean your vent as quickly as possible.
How to Clean Your VentÂ
Cleaning your dryer vent is fairly simple and only requires a few tools that you likely already have at home. Before you start, unplug your dryer from the wall outlet and pull it away from the wall so you can access the back of it. Then, use a screwdriver to remove the screws that are holding the vent in place.
Next, use a vacuum with a long hose attachment to remove any lint or debris that’s accumulated inside the vent or around the opening of the vent. Once you’ve vacuumed everything out, reattach the vent and plug your dryer back into the outlet. Run it on low heat for about 20 minutes to make sure everything is working properly.Â
By following these simple steps, you can easily clean your dryer vent and prevent any dangerous fires from happening in your home. Be sure to check your vents regularly and clean them whenever you notice any buildup of lint or debris.
