Dryer Vent Cleaning: What Causes Lint To Build Up In My Dryer Vent?

Dryers are a common appliance in most homes, and many people may not think about the lint that can build up in the dryer vent. Over time, this lint can cause problems such as decreased airflow, increased energy bills, and even a fire hazard. So what causes lint to build up in the dryer vent? Read on to find out reason and dryer vent cleaning services!

What to do about lint build-up in my dryer vent?

Call a professional dryer vent cleaning service to clean out your ducts. If this is too expensive, attempt to clean them yourself every 2 or 3 months. Otherwise, you could choose simply to track buildup over time and vacuum out the line every fall before storing your clothes dryer for winter. And if you have an older model with a metal vent that’s become worn down by friction, consider investing in a new one. New appliances are designed with smooth surfaces which shed much less lint into the air; replacing it will solve your problem entirely.

What Causes Lint To Build Up In My Dryer Vent?

In most cases, lint can build up in a dryer vent because of a lack of airflow through the vent. The main job of any clothes dryer is to remove water from fabrics using both heat and airflow. If there is no airflow going through the vent, then the flammable lint will just continue to accumulate inside your vents, clogging them and preventing proper airflow. This can contribute to higher energy bills as your dryer struggles to keep up with drying loads.

What Are Some Things That Can Clog Lint Traps?

There are many things that can clog a dryer’s lint trap:

A build-up of fabric softener residue: Residue from liquid fabric softeners and dryer sheets builds up on the screen and over time restricts airflow through the vent. When this happens, your clothes will take longer to dry, leading to higher energy bills and less efficient drying cycles.

Overloading the dryer: Dryers are designed to handle a certain number of laundry loads per week, depending on their size. If you overload the machine with too many clothes at one time, this will cause your dryer to work harder and less efficiently because it will take longer for each load to dry.

Clothes that aren’t meant to go in a dryer: Fabric types such as cotton knit shorts, terry cloth robes, or other fluffy fabrics should not be put into a dryer because they can shrink excessively after repeated exposure to heat and cause lint clogs.

Using too much heat: Excessive heat can damage some fabrics and may cause shrinkage over time, but it also increases the risk of lint build-up because clothing that has been severely heated tends to stick together more often. Try turning down the heat setting on your dryer and see if this reduces the amount of lint accumulation in your vents over time.

How Can I Prevent Lint From Getting Clogged In My Dryer Vent?

Listed below are some helpful tips to help you prevent lint from getting clogged in your dryer vent:

Clean out the lint trap after each use: Cleaning the lint traps on your appliances will reduce the risk of a lint fire and increase energy efficiency. It’s recommended that you clean both the lint trap and the vent behind it at least once every six months.

Clean lint screen after each use: Even if you don’t think there is any lint leftover in the screens, make sure to clean them anyway because accumulation can still take place after time even if it isn’t noticeable upon initial inspection.

Replace old dryer vents: Dryer vents with excessive wear and tear may not allow for proper airflow, which can lead to lint build-up over time. If you have a vent that is 10 years or older, it’s recommended that you replace it to avoid any future problems with lint accumulation in your house.