While performing residential dryer vent cleaning in Des Moines, many customers are unaware of the importance of keeping the dryer vent line and the dryer itself, clean and free of lint. You should clean out the lint trap after every load. Lint buildup and clogged exhaust vents pose a fire hazard, so it’s essential to regularly clean them. Des Moines Air Duct Cleaning can help save you from a potential house fire.
Many people use dryer sheets to soften and reduce static cling on clothes. They’re coated with fabric softeners and lubricants and often come scented with fragrances like lavender. The problem is that these liquid-softening agents can clog the dryer’s lint filter, which prevents proper airflow and efficiency.
Dryer Vent Cleaning will essentially save you time, save you money on energy bills, save on wear and tear of the dryer and prevent potentially serious problems like house fires. But how do you know when your dryer vent needs cleaning? Here are some common signs:
- Vent Flap Doesn’t Open Properly
The dryer vent is a critical part of the entire dryer system. It’s responsible for releasing the hot air moist from your clothes into the outside atmosphere, so it must be cleaned and inspected regularly to ensure that it doesn’t clog up or malfunction. When your duct hood flap doesn’t open properly, it’s an indication that lint buildup is a problem. This could be the result of a dirty lint trap, a clogged duct hood flap, or an issue with your ducting itself.
- Clothes Are Drying Slowly
If you’re noticing that your clothes are taking longer to dry than usual, it may be time to clean the dryer vent. Our clothes shed tiny pieces of fabric fiber with every drying cycle, which can get sucked into the lint trap and prevent the hot air from circulating properly. This causes the dryer to work harder and takes longer to dry your garments, so clean the lint screen after each load to maximize airflow. Lint builds up in the vent and over time can slow down airflow and make your dryer work harder than it should. Cleaning the vent is also an important safety step and can help prevent a house fire.
3. Smoke Damage
There are times when the fumes from painting, refinishing floors, and other similar activities get pulled into your laundry room and absorbed by your clothes in the dryer. This can leave a strong smell behind that can be very hard to remove.
If your clothing has been damaged by smoke, it is important to separate them from non-burnt items to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. If the odor is so bad that you can’t separate them, it is best to air dry your clothes outside.
- Clothes Are Smelling Burning
The burning smell from your clothes dryer can indicate a serious problem. It could be something as simple as a blocked vent, or it could mean your machine is on its last legs and needs to be replaced.
Regardless of the reason for your clothes’ burning smell, it’s important to fix the issue as soon as possible instead of waiting to see if it’ll go away. This is because a dryer fire can occur any time, and they can be dangerous. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that dryers and washing machines cause an average of 15,970 fires each year, with dryers causing 92% of them and an average of $200 million in property damage.
- Clothes Are Hot to the Touch
There are many signs your dryer vent needs cleaning, but if you’re not careful, you may end up with hot clothes and a stifling smell in the process. A clogged vent also leads to mold growth, which can cause health problems.
One of the best uses of a vacuum with a long hose is to clean out the vent ducts, which can be tricky to reach. You’ll want to get down low and inspect the ducts for several key features, including the best way to tighten the coupling. In addition, you’ll need a long-handled brush, a face covering and a power drill with a screwdriver or two.
- Clothes too wet
The level of moisture in your clothes will also play a role in how long it takes for them to dry, as well as the wash and rinse settings you choose. Check your clothing care label for specific tips, 
such as avoiding over drying or using a low temperature on delicate or elastic items.
You will also want to be careful about how much heat you use on your dryer, especially if your clothes are made of polyester. These fabrics are prone to fading, shrinking, or cracking if exposed to high heat for too long. For these types of garments, it’s best to go no higher than the permanent press setting on your dryer for maximum safety and durability.
Summary
You should consider having your dryer vents professionally cleaned about once a year or more frequently if you use it a lot or have a large family, says the U.S. Department of Energy. The dryer vent carries hot and humid air from the dryer to the outside of your home, so it’s important to keep it clean. This helps to prevent mold, mildew, and other potential issues. A clogged vent can also cause your dryer to take longer to dry clothes. This happens because lint accumulates on the vent, blocking the airflow.
Lint can cause a fire, so it’s important to make sure the vent is free from lint buildup. Lint and other debris build up inside your clothes dryer vent over time. When it becomes clogged, your dryer can no longer exhaust the moisture to the outside. This means your clothes are not getting dry and your dryer is using more energy than it needs to. A clogged dryer vent also increases your utility bills. It uses more energy than it should and can make your dryer work harder and break down quicker.
If you have any of these concerns, contact Des Moines Air Duct Cleaning to schedule a professional dryer vent cleaning!