To keep your space safe from allergy triggers and fire hazards, you need to thoroughly clean your dryer vent.
Did you know that over 50 million people in the U.S. have allergies? Dust ranks top of the list of allergens – and it’s not surprising why. One of the main sources of dust particles in your home is a dirty dryer vent.
Here are some valuable tips for dryer vent cleaning in Western Washington state:
1. Notice the Warning Signs Early
There are several signs that your dryer vent is dirty. They include:
- Taking longer than usual to finish drying
- The temperature of your clothes is way higher than normal at the end of the drying cycle
- Your dryer consumes more power than it should
- The flapper door located on the vent hood sticks shut when the dryer is running
If you notice the above signs, a simple dryer vent cleaning job can help you get things running efficiently again. However, if the problem persists, you may want to contact a Tacoma dryer vent cleaning and maintenance professional for assistance.
2. Forget About Cheap Dryer Vent Cleaning Kits
It’s easy to want to pick the cheapest dryer vent cleaning kit because it saves you money. However, this may cost you your entire dryer.
Most cheap dryer cleaning kits are poorly designed and made from low-quality material which may damage the vent. What’s more, you may not be able to clean the build-up deep in the vents because the kits aren’t long enough.
Lint build-up can cause a fire and damage your equipment. Contact our Tacoma cleaning services for expert help. We are well-equipped with state-of-the-art tools to leave your vent sparkling clean for longer.
Besides, this will save you the trouble and inconvenience that comes with dryer vent cleaning.
3. Safety First
Professional dryer vent cleaning contributes significantly towards extending the life of your equipment. Not to mention keeping it in tip-top shape all through its useful life. However, if you want to give dryer vent cleaning a try, how about doing it safely?
Some of the risks when cleaning include electric shock, sliding and falling accidents, as well as sustaining back injuries. But there’s no need to pose harm to yourself or damage your dryer – here are some useful safety steps to follow:
- Switch off the socket and unplug your dryer or turn off the gas supply before cleaning
- Carefully pull the dryer a safe distance from the wall
- Separate the duct from the machine – the duct is the large tube that connects the dryer and the exhaust
- Shake all the lint loose – use a vacuum cleaner to suck off all the leftover lint from the duct
- Don’t forget to vacuum the outside component of your dryer; the outside vent
Once done, connect the duct back to the machine. Remember to use all the screws, aluminum tape, or clips to reattach the duct. Thereafter, push the dryer back to position and plug it on.
4. Use the Appropriate Cleaning Equipment
It’s not enough to use soap and water to clean your dryer vent. Lint and other debris firmly cling to the duct walls. Using a damp or dry cloth barely gets all the debris out. Vacuuming, on the other hand, is better but also doesn’t cut it 100%.
If you want to do the job right, find a vacuum cleaner that comes with a variety of attachments. Use the right attachment to suck out all the lint on long and short ducts. You’ll also need a multipurpose screwdriver to detach and reattach movable parts.
A dryer brush goes a long way especially if it can attach to your vacuum. The brush scrubs off the lint while the vacuum removes the debris.
5. Clean the Moisture Sensors
Motion sensors are not part of the dryer vent but are equally important to consider when cleaning. Cleaning these sensors frequently will promote the seamless function of the dryer vent.
The moisture sensor is a thin metal rod located slightly below the dryer door. Use a cotton ball to wipe off the lint and other debris on the sensor and nearby surfaces.
When done, dab some alcohol on the surface of the moisture sensor. This enhances its efficiency and sensitivity.
6. Consult Tacoma Dryer Vent Cleaning Professionals
Nothing beats working with the right Tacoma dryer vent cleaners. The duct cleaning pros will eliminate the risk of breakdown which is quite common with DIY cleaning. Dryer cleaning experts not only focus on the type of dryer vents but go the extra mile to inspect, repair, and ensure maximum performance.
Even better, you will be sure to have eliminated the risk of a fire outbreak caused by lint build-up. You and your loved ones will not have to worry about allergies or related sicknesses caused by air contamination.
Bonus Tips When Cleaning Your Dryer Vents
While cleaning your duct vent, take the time to check for any tears or cracks. If you’ll find it difficult to patch them up, call for professional help.
Additionally, you need to be careful when handling bending the duct. Ensure there are no sharp bends that will create crevices for lint to build up.
Dryer vent cleaning is recommended at least once a year.
Get Expert Dryer Vent Cleaning in Tacoma and Surrounding Areas
If you feel like cleaning your dryer vent will be overwhelming, feel free to call dryer cleaning experts to do a comprehensive job.
Our Tacoma dryer vent cleaning pros specialize in this field and go to great lengths to help homeowners enjoy HVAC efficiency. We are quick to notice faults in your system and equally fast in fixing them.
Is there a part of your dryer cleaning you might overlook? Contact us for further help and consultation.
