All the talk you have been hearing lately about dryer lint may sound like a lot of fluff, but in reality it is no joking matter. The vent behind your dryer's lint trap can easily become clogged because lint traps are simply not capable of catching all that lint being produced by your clothes and linens. That residual lint, accumulated over time, can pose a genuine threat to your home and to your loved ones. In fact, a real danger exists for a fire to start in your dryer if you do not regularly clean out the vent in addition to the lint trap. Fortunately, cleaning out the lint trap vent is easy when you have a dryer lint vent-cleaning tool.
Lint Plus Heat Equals Fire!
We all know we should remove the lint from the trap after each load of laundry is finished drying. But it is a fact that up to 35% of the lint and hair from your clothes manages to slip by the lint trap and lodge itself into the vent behind. Dryer sheets only add to the problem, as they tend to leave an invisible film on the mesh filter of the lint trap, making it less effective at catching the lint. Load after load, all that fuzz escapes past the lint trap and accumulates in the vent. This build-up of lint restricts the heated air from sufficiently blowing out, causing your dryer to work harder and eventually to overheat. Lint, when combined with that much heat, creates the perfect environment for a fire to catch. To reduce the risk of a fire starting in your dryer, you need an effective dryer lint cleaner.
Keeping Your Dryer Safe
Keeping your dryer safe from overheating and potentially catching fire is easy. Not only should you wipe the lint trap clean after each load, but its vent should also be cleared of any residual lint and hair. You may be wondering at this point how you are supposed to cram your fingers into that tiny vent. Simple. Don't even try. Instead, invest in a lint brush for the dryer (FULLER Clothes Dryer Lint Brush). These brushes are long and narrow and can easily be inserted into the lint trap vent to collect all the built-up lint, hair, or anything else that may obstruct the airflow of your dryer. Passing one through the vent, ideally after each load, will ensure that your dryer's lint trap vent remains unclogged. When your dryer does not overheat, your house does not go up in flames.
Your dryer is one of the most used appliances in your home. The convenience it brings to daily living is immeasurable. The simple cleaning out of its lint trap and vent will not only keep it in tip-top shape and prolong its life; it will also reduce the risk of it catching fire, not to mention lower your electricity bill. All you need is the proper tool ? and to not forget to use it every time.
Maintaining your dryer and dryer vent system is of utmost importance to prevent dryer fires. The US Fire Administration lists clothing dryer fires as the cause of over 15,000 fires annually. Such fires cause structural damage, injuries, and around 15 deaths per year. "Failure to clean" is the leading contributor to clothes dryer fires. Proper dryer and dryer vent maintenance ensures your household will not fall victim to fires resulting from "failure to clean". Some useful tips for properly maintaining dryer and dryer vent systems follow: The lint trap should be pulled and cleaned after each load of laundry Wash lint screens monthly with soap and water to prevent residue buildup Do not dry fabrics soaked in combustible substances, even if they have been washed; line drying is recommended All flammable materials and liquids should be stored well away from the clothes dryer Have professional dryer vent cleaning done at least once a year Make sure the dryer vent system is up to code according to city, state, and manufacturer criteria Do not use vinyl or plastic material for your dryer ducts; use only semi-rigid or solid metal Check the outside vent often to be sure it is not blocked or damaged Following these guidelines will ensure safety from a dryer fire and help to save on energy costs. When a clothes dryer runs efficiently, clothes dry quicker; therefore, the dryer is not overworking and consuming extra energy. Proper maintenance also helps to increase the life of your clothes dryer and prevents breakdowns.
Both Vincent & Mory Matias are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Vincent has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Improvement, Sales and Negotiation and Cars. Author Vincent Platania represents the Fuller Brush Company.Fuller Brush has been in business since 1906, and offers safe, environmentally friendly products for keeping your home and your body clean. Visit. Vincent's top article generates over 14800 views. to your Favourites.
Mory Matias has sinced written about articles on various topics from Sales and Negotiation, Gardening. This article was written by Mory Matias, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard of Chicago, Il. Most homeowners are unaware that annual dryer and dryer vent maintenance is required to keep the dryer running efficiently and to prevent fires. Additionally, annual maint. Mory Matias's top article generates over 1300 views. to your Favourites.