Experts recommend cleaning the dryer ducts twice a year to ensure optimal performance and safety. Doing it on your own may seem like an intimidating prospect, but there are ways to do it easily, cheaply, and relatively quickly. It is NOT a one-size-fits-all. There are variables that affect how often you must clean the dryer's ventilation system.
Generally speaking, the clothes dryer itself, as well as the ventilation, should be cleaned every 1 to 3 years. A good rule of thumb is to have your dryer's exhaust vents inspected and cleaned by a professional at least once a year. However, if you have a household that uses the dryer frequently, such as one with many children, you may want to consider increasing that amount every six months. Set aside a few hours at least once a year (more if it gets clogged) and clothes will dry faster and more evenly.
If the ventilation grille gets clogged and isn't cleaned, you could run the risk of the dryer overheating, which can cause a fire fairly quickly. Households that use their dryers more often should clean their dryer vents at least twice a year. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends cleaning dryers once a year, but this is based on the average household. Households that have a clothes dryer often need to closely monitor the appliance's performance.
If you have the feeling that the dryer is not completely drying the clothes inside, it is highly recommended that someone come and see them. If you're not willing to pay a professional to check it out, at least take a look at the vent hose with a flashlight. This can be done by just about any fan. If you notice a build-up of lint, you now know it's time to clean the dryer vent. A good rule of thumb is to clean the dryer vent every year to remove any lint build-up.
However, if you have a very long drying duct and it has a lot of turns, you may want to clean the vent every 6 months if you use the dryer frequently. When lint decreases air flow in the dryer duct, the dryer's efficiency decreases, and eventually, it won't dry the clothes at all. Cleaning a dryer's ventilation grille inside or out depends on whether you want thorough work or less hassle. That's why it's highly recommended to hire a laundry dryer rack cleaner that is licensed and insured. You can also get it as part of an air duct cleaning package if you want your HVAC ducts to be clean at the same time. These vents are at least twice the size of a residential dryer and can hold many fuel elements.
To clean the ventilation grille of a dryer, all you need is a vacuum with a long hose and a brush to remove persistent lint from the ventilation grill. To help extend the life of your dryer and keep your family safe, it's important to clean the dryer's exhaust gases regularly. Lint accumulates inside the dryer, even with the exhaust ducts properly ventilated and with a properly maintained lint filter. I have been to houses where there have been fires in the dryer ducts, and in the United States there are numerous fires caused by obstructions in the ventilation grilles of the dryers. There are a lot of DIY tasks you can do yourself at home and cleaning the clothes dryer vent is one of them. When managing a commercial laundromat, make sure that the dryer vents are cleaned at least once a year.
Dryers sometimes get very hot when air flow is restricted, and this excess heat will eventually damage the dryer's motor and electrical components. This is because cleaning the ventilation grille from the inside can be difficult and there is a greater risk of damaging yourself or damaging the dryer. The NFPA states: “The leading cause of fires in household clothes dryers is lack of cleaning”. Cleaning your dryer vent, both inside and out, is essential for optimal performance and safety in your home or business.
It's important to remember that regular maintenance will help extend its life span while also preventing potential fires from occurring due to lint build-up in your dryer's ventilation. A good rule of thumb is to have your dryer vents inspected and cleaned by an expert at least once per year or more often if you use your clothes dryer frequently.
