The importance of regular cleaning of dryer vents can be difficult to forget, but even just cleaning them occasionally is a step in ensuring that your house is as safe and clean as possible for you and your family. Some of the common warning signs that dryer vent clogs can be seen on your own or through the vents’ opening – some of these are: Excessive lint build up in the vents. If you see the familiar telltale signs above, then you probably have a blocked dryer vent that needs to be cleaned by professionals at Air Duct Cleaning.
Another warning sign that you may have a blocked dryer vents is that you find that there is water dripping out of the vent after a while. This is a sure sign that water has built up inside the vent because it is not just moisture escaping, but also any solid pieces of debris such as hair or soap scum that may have fallen onto the vent and settled inside it. If you notice any of this, then it is likely that the clog is not the result of a leaky pipe or some other mechanical problem. Instead, you are looking at a blockage caused by dirt and other debris that have formed around the duct and caused it to become blocked.
You can usually see a large clog forming around the vent if you have a window facing the vent. If you see streaks of dried hair or a brownish liquid dripping from the vents, then it is most likely that the clog is caused by dust, grime, or dirt getting stuck inside the vents. To get to the dirt, you need to open the vent and take a look. If you do not see dirt or debris, then it may simply be time to get your dryer vented again. Of course, you can always call a repairman to take care of the problem, but if you are the handy type, then you may just want to do this yourself.
If you are able to take apart the dryer and clean it properly before you start with the clog removal, then you should be able to clear the clog within minutes. Cleaning the vents is actually quite easy and you don’t even need to take it apart. Some of the common cleaning methods include the following:
To clean the walls of your home, you will need to make sure you have clean towels and cloth. You will need to wet each towel with a small amount of solution and then wipe the walls down with it to clean any remaining residue or debris that may have been left behind. Once you have done that, use a damp cloth or a vacuum cleaner to remove the excess dirt. When cleaning the walls, it is important to take your time and make sure that you do not miss any corners or crevices as you may get a scratch or other damage on it. A vacuum cleaner can also help remove any loose dirt as well.
For the areas around your dryer vents, you need to use a vacuum cleaner that comes with a nozzle that can easily reach inside the vent to suck up any remaining debris that is inside the duct and not on the wall. It is important not to spray it down with too much pressure, because you may find that the dirt can cause small cracks. When removing the dirt from the walls, remember that it is always best to wear a mask because chemicals are contained in the cleaning solution that you can inhale into your lungs.
You should only clean the parts of your duct that are connected to the vent to ensure that you avoid breathing in any harmful chemicals that may have been left behind by previous owners or can possibly cause an injury if you are not careful. This is especially true for children and pets that tend to play in or near the dryers. When cleaning the dryers, you should always use a clean rag or cloth when cleaning the parts of your vent that are connected to the vent as well.
After you have cleaned the walls, you can now vacuum them to remove the dust and debris that were left behind by your dryer and you should allow it to air dry. You may then want to use a dehumidifier to prevent condensation from forming and then continue to dry in the dryer as normal so that the log does not return.