Owning a home of your own is an exhilarating feeling, to say the least. You’ve finally left your parents’ nest and are living your best adult life. The only downside?
Sure, it’s not the glamorous household chore you could do, but someone must do it. Especially with how frequently you use your dryer. Believe it or not, this is one of the most overlooked maintenance tasks that takes up energy bills and poses threats to your safety.
Here are some common mistakes people like you make when cleaning out your dryer vent and how to avoid them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Dryer Vents
Mistake #1: Not Cleaning Frequently
No one’s ever regretted cleaning out their dryer vents more frequently, and you won’t either. While you’re ideally supposed to be cleaning them out every 6 months, once a year will do just fine too.
Take this advice with a grain of salt though, since you may need to do it more times if your dryer’s in an exceptionally poor state.
Mistake #2: Not Unplugging the Dryer
We all know to unplug appliances before cleaning them, but often forget to do the same for our dryers. When attempting a dryer vent cleaning session on your own, make sure you’re unplugging it. This simple act can save you from electric shocks and even other unfortunate accidents.
Also Read: What Are the Risks of Ignoring Dryer Vent Repair?
Mistake #3: Not Using the Right Tools
You’ve probably heard that a bad workman blames his tools, but given they’re the right ones in the first place!
Make sure to avoid the classic mistake of whipping out your standard vacuum cleaner for the job, when it’s something only a vent cleaning kit can do.
Mistake #4: Not Checking for Obstructions
Another rookie mistake is not checking for buildup, lint, debris and other contaminants that may be obstructing the airflow. Make sure your vent is free of buildup before proceeding with your cleanup.
Mistake #5: Attempting to Clean a Long Vent Yourself
There are some jobs best left for a professional, and cleaning a long vent is one of them. Not only is it challenging to do with your basic home tools, but it’s also a threat to your safety and well-being. A professional brings years of expertise and experience to the table, allowing them to deal with the situation adeptly.
Mistake #6: Improper Reattachment of the Duct
You’ve cleaned out your vent dryer well, great! What about reattaching it so it works well? When you’re reattaching the duct, make sure you’re avoiding any sharp turns or bends that could alter its structure.
Sharps turns and bends are great spaces for lint buildup which is obviously the last thing you want — especially after all those hours of cleaning! It’s also a good idea to use metal tape instead of duct tape for a secure attachment that can withstand the dryer’s heat.
Mistake#7: Not Routing Your Vent Outside
This might sound like a no-brainer, but this is probably one of the most common mistakes homeowners make. As a rule of thumb, your dryer vent should always lead outside. If your vent is leading into a crawlspace, it can cause lint to accumulate. Which is a fire hazard you want to steer clear of.
How to Clean Your Dryer Vent Properly
Now that we’ve covered what not to do, here’s what you should do when cleaning out your vents.
- Unplug the dryer or turn off the gas supply
- Pull the dryer away from the wall
- Detach the duct from the dryer and the wall
- Shake out any loose lint and use a vacuum cleaner or a specialized cleaning tool to remove the remaining lint
- Vacuum the lint from the outside vent
- Clean the floor around the dryer to remove any debris
- Inspect the duct for damage and replace it if necessary
- Reattach the dryer vent using screws, clips, or metal tape
- Return the dryer to its original position
- Plug in the dryer or turn the gas supply back on
The Bottomline
By avoiding these common mistakes and following the proper steps, you can keep your dryer vent clean and your home safe. Regular maintenance not only prevents potential hazards but also extends the life of your dryer.
For those who prefer to leave it to the professionals, consider contacting Delta Air Cleaning. Our expert dryer vent cleaning services ensure your vent is thoroughly cleaned.
Don’t wait until it’s too late — schedule your dryer vent cleaning with us today!
