Cleaning out your dryer vent is an essential task. Failure to do so can lead to a fire accident when the lint from the dryer builds up, and potentially gets sparked by faulty wiring. Every year 2900 house fires in the USA are started by dryers.
This is equal to 92% of all house fires. It these grim statistics do not scare you into cleaning your dryer, then nothing will. Essentially there are several ways you can clean your dryer. One of the easiest ways to do it is by cleaning a dryer vent with a leaf blower.
It is advisable to clean a dryer vent from both ends to ensure that you can remove all the lint trapped between the dryer and the exhaust vent. And this can be done using a vacuum cleaner. But if you lack one, you can also use a leaf blower, and you will achieve similar if not better results as it will be able to clean the dryer vent and dislodge trapped lint.
Can I Clean My Dryer Vent?
Yes, you can. First and foremost, make sure that you have the essential tools to handle the job then. Clean the vent and ductwork as best as you can. If the brush is not able to get to the middle, handle the cleaning job from both end s of the vent or ductwork.
How Often Should A Dryer Vent Be Cleaned?
Ideally, once per year. But if you use your dryer regularly, then try to clean it as often as possible. Quarterly would be ideal for a frequently used dryer. Better safe than sorry. Lint buildup is your enemy. Always remember that.
How Do You Know If Your Dryer Vent Is Clogged?
- Your dryer is taking too long to dry your clothes
- The lint is backed up to the point you can see it in your dryer or scattered in your laundry area
- Your dryer is emitting a burning smell due to the exertion caused by drying clothes over an extended period
- Your dryer s overheating, and it feels hot when you touch it
How To Use A Leaf Blower To Clean The Dryer Vent
- Move the dryer from the wall
- Remove the dryer hose from the vent
- Remove the dryer exhaust vent cover form the outside
- Insert the leaf blower into the dryer vent
- Turn the leaf blower on and blow to expel the lint from the dryer’s exhaust vent and ductwork
- Manually remove any remaining dust from the hose and the exhaust ductwork
- Reattach the hose and close the dryer exhaust vent from outside
Be sure to check that the blower does not overheat as this may cause sparks to fly, which may ignite the dry lint and, in turn, start a fire.