We have been really stressing on how important it is to keep your chimney clean but there is another venting system that you should also pay close attention to and that is the dryer vent. Dryer vents are a hidden hazard that most homeowners forget about when it comes to fire safety. According to the NFPA in 2010 there were 16,800 home washer and dryer fires reported which accounted for 4.5% of residential structure fires that year. There were an estimated 51 deaths, 380 injuries, and $236 million in property loss. The leading cause of a dryer fire is lack of cleaning and occurs more frequently during fall and winter months.

A Clean Dryer Vent is a Safe and Efficient Dryer Vent

A dryer vent fire can occur when lint builds up in the dryer or the venting ducts. Lint will eventually block off the air flow causing excessive heat to build-up and could result in a fire. To avoid a fire taking place in your home’s dryer vent clean, clean, clean! Take all precautions possible to avoid disaster. Cleaning a dryer vent is relatively easy and only takes a few minutes of time but will make all of the difference. Not only will it prevent a fire from happening but it will also allow your dryer to run more efficiently.

An All-in-1 Dryer Vent Cleaning System

There are many great products on the market to clean out your dryer vent and lint trap but the cleaning system that is highly recommended by our customers is the LintEater Rotary Cleaning System. This system contains valuable tools that will keep your dryer working safely and efficiently. To use the LintEater Dryer Vent Cleaning System all you need is a cordless drill. It is also a cleaning system that can be used to clean other household areas like baseboard heaters, gutter downspouts, pellet stoves, under appliances, and more. The LintEater Dryer Vent Cleaning System equips you with 4- 36″ long flexible rods, 1-Blockage Removal Tool, 1-Self-Feeding 4″ Auger Brush, 1- Dryer Adapter, 1- Vacuum Adapter, 1- Large 2.5″ Diameter Lint Brush, and the Operator’s Manual.

Here is a list of some Do’s and Don’ts for Dryer Use and Care…

Clothes Dryer Do’s

  • Make sure the correct electrical plug and outlet are used and that the dryer is connected properly.
  • Read manufacturers’ instructions and warnings in use and care manuals that come with new dryers.
  • Clean the lint trap filter before and after each load of laundry. Don’t forget to clean the back of the dryer where lint can build up. In addition, clean the lint filter with a nylon brush at least every six months or more often if it becomes clogged.
  • Clean lint out of the vent pipe every 3 months.
  • Have your dryer cleaned annually by a professional, especially if it is taking longer than normal for clothes to dry.
  • Inspect the venting system behind the dryer to ensure it is not damaged or restricted.
  • Put a covering on outside wall dampers to keep out rain, snow and dirt.
  • Make sure the outdoor vent covering opens when the dryer is on.
  • Replace coiled-wire foil or plastic venting with rigid, non-ribbed metal duct.
  • Have gas-powered dryers inspected every year by a professional to ensure that the gas line and connection are together and free of leaks.
  • Check regularly to make sure nests of small animals and insects are not blocking the outside vent.
  • Keep the area around the clothes dryer free of items that are combustible.

Clothes Dryer Don’ts

  • Don’t use a clothes dryer without a lint filter or with a lint filter that is loose, damaged or clogged.
  • Don’t overload the dryer.
  • Don’t use a wire screen or cloth to cover the wall damper. They can collect lint and clog the dryer vent.
  • Don’t dry anything containing foam, rubber or plastic. An example of an item not to place in a dryer is a bathroom rug with a rubber backing.
  • Don’t dry any item for which manufacturers’ instructions state “dry away from heat.”
  • Don’t dry glass fiber materials (unless manufacturers’ instructions allow).
  • Don’t dry items that have come into contact with anything flammable substances like alcohol, cooking oils or gasoline. Dry them outdoors or in a well-ventilated room, away from heat.
  • Don’t leave a clothes dryer running if you leave home or when you go to bed.