Regularly cleaning your dryer's lint trap is essential for optimal performance and safety. Not only will it help keep the dryer vent clean, but it will also improve the drying time of the machine and decrease the risk of home fires. You should check the ventilation of the dryer once a year, in addition to regularly cleaning the lint collector. To check if the lint trap is clogged, you can drip water onto the trap.
If it holds water instead of passing it through the mesh, then it is clogged. Air will also be restricted if the screen is clogged, reducing the dryer's ability to dry clothes efficiently. Most of us know how to clean the dryer's lint tray after every use, but experts warn that you should also keep an eye out for lint behind and under the washer and dryer. Excessive lint behind the dryer is a sign that the ventilation system is clogged and can be very dangerous. The fluff accumulates there because it has nowhere to move through the ventilation grille.
Even if you're diligent about cleaning the dryer's lint collector after each use, it won't catch everything. After cleaning, make sure to plug the dryer back in and reconnect the duct to the dryer vent. While usually you should take out the vent brush about once every 12 months to make sure the dryer vent is in perfect condition, you may need to use a dryer grille cleaning kit more often if you're a certain type of homeowner. A clogged or blocked dryer vent prevents the machine from working properly and can even cause a house fire.
If you can't clean the dryer vent yourself, you can hire a professional to do it for you. The hose must be securely connected at all times, but this may mean that you can't move or stand behind the dryer to clean the ventilation grille. By following these steps, you can easily clean the dryer vent and remove any lint or dirt that may have accumulated inside. Once you've cleaned the dryer and dryer vents, make sure everything is working properly. Reducing the amount of dust and lint in and around the dryer can reduce how often you need to clean the dryer vent. Some dryers also have an indicator that alerts you when a vent is clogged, but they aren't always reliable for spotting partially obstructed vents.
If a vacuum can't completely remove all the lint, you can use a dryer vent brush to gently scrub the inside of the hose and vent to remove any leftover lint. It is important to periodically clean your dryer's ventilation grille to ensure that it is working properly and to prevent fire. By following these steps, you can easily clean your dryer vent and lint trap for optimal performance.