When it comes to your home laundry, it needs to be done safely because dryer fires are scary, hazardous to your home and family. Usually, fire breakouts happen in the metallic tube between the wall and the dryer. That is the reason why you need to clean the vent thoroughly. It will also help your dryer to last for many years and operate efficiently.
According to an article published on Nytimes, dryer fires create havoc in almost 2,900 American homes annually as per the data of US Fire Administration. Then, people goof up when cleaning the dryer vent. Here are some of the mistakes you must avoid:
Not remembering to unplug the dryer
Before you start cleaning the dryer vent, always remember to unplug the appliance from the wall electrical socket. Though this may sound too obvious, things that look simple and evident, homeowners often overlook and forget such things easily. Even the small or insignificant mistakes may create havoc, especially dryer fire hazards and electrical shocks.
You should unplug the dryer to avoid electrical shocks during the cleaning process. Again, if you are using gas-powered ones, make sure you turn the gas off to stop leakage.
Wrong tools used
Did you know that small lint fibers could stick to the duct walls and therefore, you need to invest in some equipment, which is safe to use and does the work efficiently?There are products available at $30, which connect with the end of your vacuum and great at sucking up dry debris. Again, you will find equipment costing as low as $17 with proper attachments if you have a long dryer duct to clean. Then, many homeowners use the wrong equipment and that leads to fire hazards. The moral of the story is using safe and first-rate equipment.
Nor checking the duct for any damage
While cleaning it, always look at its surface to determine whether it has any tears or cracks. You need to repair these cracks or tears to make it operate effectively and efficiently. These are simple things to remember and do not require any special skills. In simple words, be attentive and careful while cleaning it.
Bending the dryer duct more than needed
When it comes to dryer ducts, they bend very easily when you’re dealing with the same. Avoid bending it too much. Ensure that the tube does not turn sharply or bend excessively because it would result in crevices in which there would be lint buildup, resulting in breaks. It will not only damage your appliance but also unsafe for use. You can inquiry at airqualitytech.com to learn more about dryer vent cleaning and safety measures.
Cleaning a long vent on your own
It is one of the common mistakes homeowners make. When it comes to some fundamental equipment and DIY job, it is fine for most people using dryers. However, you need to hire a trained professional if the appliance has a long duct. Doing it yourself may damage it as well as pose significant risk for your home and family. A trained expert will do the job at a cost that you can easily afford. Then, why take the risk?
Re-attaching ducts using duct tape
No, you cannot use duct tape to re-attach the duct because it will corrode and wear away when the heat is emitted from your dryer. The best thing to do is to use an aluminum tape that can endure the heat.
If you are unsure, read up on aluminum tape and its beneficial uses because it is imperative for effective dryer performance and safety of your home and family.
Putting the vent into a crawlspace or attic
Did you know that the lint building up in the dryer vent is inflammable? You will find only one spot where the exhaust must go to ensure vent safety, which is outdoors. Get your dryer vent cleaned and crucial tasks such as re-routing the vent to trained professionals. It is safe and more effective than DIY tasks.
Ignoring the moisture sensors
Though it hardly concerns the real vent, then, if the appliance has a moisture sensor, keep it spick and span to let your dryer operate efficiently. You can clean the sensor while you are working on the dryer vent.
As far as the sensor is concerned, it is nothing but a thin metallic bar found on the right side just beneath your dryer door. Make sure you clean the dryer-sheet chemicals, lint, as well as other debris using a ball of cotton and rubbing some alcohol to ensure flawless cleaning.
Not cleaning the vent when required
When you are doing laundry at home and washing loads of clothes, your washer and dryer are being used extensively. It means you need to focus on maintenance, as it’s a task you cannot keep postponing. You need to clean tit deeply once every year thoroughly. There is no excuse or shortcut to the process.
It’s a home chore you need to care about, when necessary. Once a year is enough! We’re not asking you to clean it every three months, but then, keep watch if the vent has accumulated lint and other debris. If you find it, you will need to clean the dryer vent. It is a job you cannot neglect or procrastinate. Cleaning the vent is essential for the safety of your family as well as to ensure the appliance run efficiently.
Final words
Now that you know what mistakes to avoid when cleaning the dryer vent, keep your appliance, home, and family safe from dryer fire hazards. Keep these pointers in mind. It is important to ensure safety when doing laundry to avoid accidents. Use the right appliance, equipment, and adhere to the safety ideas. It will ensure top performance of your dryer without any risk.We hope these ideas prove useful when you schedule your next vent-cleaning job. Make sure you hire a professional to avoid hassles, fire hazards, and accidents. Happy cleaning!