In many homes, the dryer vent goes untouched.
Theres more to preventing dryer fires than cleaning the lint tray.
Because its behind a bulky machine, its all too common for homeowners to ignore this vent.
Credit: Edmund Barr
But leaving yourdryer ventto collect debris can be very dangerous.
A blocked or clogged dryer vent prevents your machine from working properly and can even cause a house fire.
There are local services that can help you maintain a clean, safe dryer vent.
Heed these signs, provided byDryer Vent Wizard, that could indicate a clogged dryer vent.
Your Dryers Auto-Shutoff Kicks In
Most modern dryers come with an auto-shutoff feature.
This safety measure will shut off your dryer mid-cycle if it’s trappingexcess heatand moisture.
Trapped heat could be a sign of a blockage in the vent line.
A blocked vent is a serious risk for house fires and should be dealt with immediately.
Lint Builds Up
Most of us know to clean out a dryer’s lint tray after each use.
But experts warn you should also keep an eye out for lint behind and under the washer and dryer.
Excess lint behind the dryer is a sign of a clogged vent system and can be very dangerous.
The lint accumulates there because it has nowhere to move through the vent.
Butall that hair has to go somewhere.
Pet hair is a common cause of dryer vent buildup and should be monitored throughout the year.
Chances are it needs to be cleaned even more than your rug!
After a thorough cleaning, your laundry room will be safe and back to smelling like normal.
A clog or block in the vent will prevent proper airflow, resulting in longer drying times.
A quick call to a local washer/dryer expert can get your system back on track.
