Cleaning out your lint trap on your dryer is simply not enough. Have you cleaned your dryer lately? Did you know that there is something you should do routinely (like every three months)? Not only is it good for saving money and improving efficiency, but it can also be a life-saving practice that helps prevent home fires. Do not worry, we will cover in and out the benefits of cleaning out your dryer and making your home a safer place for you and your loved ones!
What is a dryer?
We’re glad you asked! Your dryer is the tube that releases the hot air and moisture from your dryer. In most cases, it moves through the dryer to the outside of your home using a flexible metal pipe. But in some cases, it can even blow into your home.
Identifying what your dryer valve is will help you feel much more comfortable as you approach cleaning it yourself or have a professional come to help you.
Why should I clean it?
Good question. Your dryer can become clogged quite easily because lint gets stuck and hits there. The warm moist air that is blown through the pipe makes it even easier for lint to accumulate. There are a couple of different reasons why you should clean your dryer routinely.
- Efficiency If your dryer becomes clogged, your dryer will take much longer to dry your clothes because there is nowhere for the moist air to go! You may need to do several cycles just to get a load of laundry dry. This can cause your electricity bill to skyrocket.
- Health When your dryer is clogged, there is nowhere for the hot, humid air to go. This can create mold in your dryer and lead to a myriad of health problems for you and your loved ones. In addition, it will make your clothes smell like mold!
- Security According to the US Fire Administration, about 2,900 drought fires occurred last year, leading to about 5 deaths, 100 injuries and $ 35 million in property loss. Failure to clean the valve was the main cause of fires in the dryer in the home.
How do I clean it?
Our best advice is to always seek help from a professional if you are uncomfortable doing a home project on your own. If you feel comfortable, here’s what to do and not to do to clean out your dryer from the US Fire Administration.
We know that dryer cleaning is not the most exciting thing to think about, but we hope you will take the extra precautions to protect yourself, your loved ones and your home. Clean your dryer every few months and calm down about dryer-related home fires!
