Dryer Safety: 4 Reasons You Should Clean the Lint Trap

12/9/2021 (Permalink)

Whether you take care of the laundry or someone else manages that task, it is essential to clean the lint trap after each use. Cleaning the lint trap helps your dryer to work more efficiently. It could also quickly become a safety hazard if you do not. 

Dryers run hot, and lint is highly flammable, which makes for a dangerous combination. The purpose of a dryer vent is to remove hot air and moisture during each load. If this vent gets clogged, it can lead to many complications.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, clothes dryers are responsible for more than 15,000 structure fires each year, and 80% of those are due to clogged dryer vents. 

There is also the possibility of fumes backing up into your home through clogged vents. The gasses and carbon monoxide that should be released outside could potentially back up into your home, causing an air quality issue for you and your family.

What are the 4 reasons you should consider maintaining the cleanliness of your dryer vent?

• Low-Efficiency

Appliances that work efficiently as possible are a financial benefit for your household. 

A clogged dryer vent could mean your clothes will need multiple cycles before drying correctly or will need to run longer. This is because the proper amount of hot air is not reaching your dryer.

Multiple cycles and extended drying times mean additional energy spent and could lead to an increase in your electrical bill.

• An Extended Life for Your Dryer

A clogged vent means a less efficient drying cycle. If your dryer is running longer than average or more than one cycle per load, you are slowly decreasing the life expectancy of your dryer. 

An overworked dryer will add considerable wear and tear to your machine. This could lead to malfunctions and needed repairs. Allowing your dryer to run this way can also cause a complete breakdown of your machine over time.

• Mold

The purpose of the dryer vent is to release moisture and hot air outside. Unfortunately, the moisture can sometimes create wet spots inside the tube. Built-up lint can get caught in these wet spots and create mold.

This wet lint can also stick to the inside of the vent’s tube making dryer vent cleaning more difficult.

• Less Maintenance

Your dryer will last longer and work better if it’s properly cared for. Regularly cleaning the vent will help ensure that your clothes are being dried in a timely manner and you are not wasting unnecessary energy. A dryer that continues to run with a clogged vent can cause internal problems that require repairs and cause an unnecessary drain on your wallet.

It is recommended to have your dryer vent cleaned once a year. For professional cleaning assistance, contact our SERVPRO of San Marcos/New Braunfels team today at (830) 625-0578.