Cleaning Dryer Vents: What You May Have Missed

A dirty dryer vent can be a serious fire hazard, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Lint and other debris build up in the vent over time, blocking the airflow and creating a potential fire risk. In fact, the NFPA reports that clothes dryers were responsible for an estimated 16,800 home fires in the US in 2010, resulting in 51 deaths and 377 injuries. These fires caused an estimated $236 million in property damage.

The dirty dryer vent restricts airflow so it cannot remove the next load’s lint out through the venting as efficiently, so instead it poofs out through the seams inside the dryer into the dryer housing itself. Over the last 10 years I have opened up many dryers to fix them only to feel a great sense of relief that I was there for a repair, not an insurance claim after a house fire. Major vent cleaning services emphasize the household vents, but due to the variety of makes and models, cannot offer cleaning inside the dryer housing where lint may have built up right next to the heater. It’s one of the reasons I do what I do, trying to find those dirty dryers and keep them from becoming tragedies.

Since lint buildup inside the dryer is mostly caused by dirty household vents, it is important to regularly clean your dryer venting. The lint filter should be cleaned before or after every load of laundry, and the entire venting system should be cleaned by a professional once a year. This helps to ensure that the air can flow freely and that any flammable lint or debris is removed from the system.

In addition to cleaning the lint filter, it is also important to inspect the route the venting system takes periodically. If you notice that the air flow is reduced or if the dryer takes longer to dry clothes, it may be a sign that the vent is blocked. In this case, it is important to have a professional clean the system as soon as possible.

The dryer vent should be made of smooth-wall metal venting, and it should be as short and straight as possible. Flexible plastic venting systems are not recommended, as they are more likely to become clogged with lint and debris. If your current venting system is made of plastic, it may be time to upgrade to a metal venting system.

Some would then wonder, “What about metal foil venting?” It is good enough in most cases, but in a straight line it is half as efficient as smooth-wall metal venting. It’s convenient is some installations to connect two points that would otherwise be difficult, but overusing foil venting will lead to inefficiencies since it will buildup lint faster and sag more than the smooth-wall metal vents.

This may sound like stating the obvious, but it is also important to have your dryer vented outside. If the dryer is not vented to the outside, it can cause moisture and lint to build up inside the dryer and the house, creating a mess and a fire hazard. There are kits you can get that allow you to redirect the hot air from the dryer into the house while collecting the lint, but they are limited in their effectiveness and require constant emptying so keep them working smoothly. If you are unsure if your dryer is installed and vented properly, it is best to have a professional inspect it.

One more thing to keep in mind is the surrounding area. Are there piles of flamable items nearby the dryer? A fire can only keep going if it has fuel and a bad situation can become much worse if there is ample fuel right next to the source of heat. As much as possible, keep your laundry room clean and tidy, not just because it makes it safer for you, but it’s easier to work in as well!

In conclusion, cleaning your dryer vent is essential to reducing the risk of fire. By following these simple tips, you can keep your home and family safe. Regular cleaning and maintenance, using the right type of lint filter, and properly venting the dryer are all important steps in reducing the risk of fire. If you are unsure if your dryer is installed and vented properly, it is best to have a professional inspect it to ensure that it is working safely and efficiently.

Sources

National Fire Protection Association. (2017). Home fires involving clothes dryers and washing machines. Retrieved from https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Fire-statistics-and-reports/Fire-statistics/Home-structure-fires/Home-fires-involving-clothes-dryers-and-washing-machines

National Fire Protection Association. (n.d.). Dryer fire safety tips. Retrieved from https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Top-causes-of-fire/Dryers