Here at Dryer Vent Wizard, we talk about lint a lot, but that’s because it’s one of the most likely causes of dryer fires. But how does lint build up in our dryers the way it does? Why is there always so much of it? It may seem like a mystery similar to dryers and disappearing socks, but the story of lint is much less mysterious. Here’s what you should know.
When a full load of wet clothes comes out of the washing machine, it contains roughly ½ gallon of water. This is where lint comes from; lint is created from these wet clothes as the water is removed during drying. Over time, this lint builds up not only in the lint filter, but the crevices deep in the lint filter trap, and the dryer vent hose and dryer vents. It’s such a gradual occurrence, people usually aren’t aware it’s happened; at least, not until their dryer begins acting up. Once the lint filter gets plugged, the outflow of heated air is restricted and dryers start to overheat, making them the number one source of home fires.
Rather than let things get to that point, there are a few things you can do to keep your dryer working as it should and ensure your home is safe!
• Call Dryer Vent Wizard to have your dryer vents professionally cleaned at least once a year. We can reach all the places where lint may be hiding and get rid of it.
• Clean out your lint trap after each and every load.
• Check the outside of your dryer vent occasionally, while the dryer is in use and make sure exhaust is going out of the house. A lack of exhaust on this side of your dryer vent could mean the vent is blocked, which means it’s time to call us!
And there are a couple of other things you should know about your dryer.
The first is that electric dryers are more likely (2.5 times more likely, in fact) to start a fire than gas dryers. This is because electric dryers have a higher heat discharge that exacerbates the problem of lint buildup.
The next is about your lint filter; even if it seems clean, it may not be as clean as you think. Some fabric sheets can leave a thin, waxy film on your lint filter that forms a barrier restricting air from exhausting correctly from your dryer. You can check and see if your lint trap has this film, by trying to run a bit of water through it. If the water can pass through the mesh easily, the filter is fine. If not, your lint filter needs a scrub with some warm soapy water.
With the knowledge above, you can easily help keep your home and your family safer from dryer fires!
We’re the experts for professional Chester and Delaware Counties, PA dryer vent cleaning and repair! Give us a call at (610) 223-4801 so Dryer Vent Wizard of Chester and Delaware Counties can help you save energy, time, and money. Some of the towns we service include: Downington, PA, Spring City, PA, Media, PA, and Ardmore, PA, and many others!