Should I Be Concerned About Laundry Lint?

If you’re like most families, you do several loads of laundry a day and probably never think about the lint
buildup in the trap or the dryer exhaust. However, as we’ll see, excessive dryer lint causes many problems, some of which can be dangerous. This post examines why dryer lint is an issue and what you can do about it.

What Causes Dryer Lint?

Lint comes from the clothes you wash and dry. As fabrics wear out, they release fibers that come off in the washer and dryer, which can cause the machine to malfunction. To combat this problem, dryers have a lint trap to catch these fibers, so there’s less risk to the machine. Almost all clothing releases lint, but cotton and wool are the biggest culprits.

Why Is Dryer Lint Dangerous?

Compared to all the disasters that can occur in your homes, such as flooding, burst pipes, and electrical
failure, it’s easy to write off dryer lint buildup as relatively harmless; however, it can wreak havoc.

 

When lint builds up in the lint trap and doesn’t get emptied, it reduces airflow, causing the dryer to work
harder and wear out more quickly. Reduced airflow also means that your clothes take longer to dry, which uses more energy and makes it less convenient for you. At its worst, however, blocked lint traps can cause a dryer fire if they contact the dryer’s heating element. Failing to clean the lint traps regularly can cause the fibers to build up in the dryer exhaust vent. In most homes, the laundry room was near the outside wall, which means the dryer duct piping was short and relatively straight. However, in many modern homes, the laundry room is placed where it’s most convenient for the user, which often means a long, winding pipe leading to the outside, which is more prone to clogging than the shorter ones.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, there are approximately 2,900 home clothes dryer fires reported each year and an estimated five deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss, so you must keep your dryer lint trap and vent clean.

Signs You Need Dryer Vent Cleaning

As we’ve seen, a dirty lint trap and dryer vent can be dangerous if you let them go too long without cleaning. Keep your eyes peeled for these signs that your vent is dirty and needs cleaning.

• Your clothes take longer to dry than before.
• The dryer is abnormally hot after a cycle.
• Your dryer emits a burning odor.
• The airflow coming from the vent is weaker than it should be.
• You notice debris outside the dryer vent.

Even if you don’t use your dryer excessively, you should still clean the lint trap after every cycle and the vent at least once a year.

 

Reasons to Hire a Pro for Dryer Vent Cleaning

Cleaning a dryer lint trap is as easy as pulling it out of the machine, peeling away the lint layer, and
reinstalling the trap. However, when it comes to your dryer vent, you may be better off and safer calling a professional, and here’s why. As mentioned, many newer homes have dryer exhaust systems that are long and winding, making it difficult for the average homeowner to clean. A professional has specialized tools to get into every nook and cranny to clear out all the dust, lint, and debris that could cause problems. Moreover, if you attempt to clean the vent yourself, you may impact the lint and push it deep into the pipe, which can lead to dryer performance issues or a fire down the road.

Why Choose Advanced Chimney Sweep?

While most residents trust us for our expert chimney and fireplace cleaning and maintenance, our
professionals are experts at dryer vent cleaning too. We take pride in our outstanding customer service,
quick response times, and affordable prices. Our technicians are fully licensed, insured, and certified for your safety and peace of mind, and we guarantee your satisfaction 100%.

Our service areas include the Central Augusta River Area and the South Carolina Midlands region.
Whether you need routine dryer vent cleaning or a full line of chimney and fireplace services, you can
always count on Advanced Chimney Sweep. Contact us today to book an appointment. In Georgia, call (706) 833-4630. In South Carolina, call (803) 508-3990. Or, fill out our convenient online form to contact one of our expert technicians.