When we think about dryer maintenance, most of us just clean out the lint filter and call it a day. But if you really want you dryer to run efficiently, and more importantly, safely, doing a quick deep cleaning once or twice a year is a must

Lint is created from clothes as water is removed during the dryer process. This lint can quickly build up in crevices, the linter filter trap, and all along the inside of the dryer vent hose. Excessive lint buildup is a dangerous fire hazzard for your Cincinnati home. In 1999 the U.S. Consumer Product Commission developed a report called “Report on Electric and Gas Clothes Dryers. In that report, they estimates that electric dryers were nearly 2.5 times more likely to be the cause of a fire than gas dryer. The report also suggested that fires originated most frequently from dryer venting and the lint trap. The following may be warning signs that their is dangerous lint buildup in your dryer:

• Clothes not fully drying or taking longer and longer to dry
• Clothes that are hotter than normal at the end of the drying cycle
• Burnt or smokey smell at the end of the drying cycle
• The laundy room seems more humid than normal after drying clotherd

If you are experiencing any of these or other warning signs, it’s important to immeditely call a professional appliance repair service to diagnose and repair your dryer.
With a little preventative maintenane you can keep your dryer running efficiently and safely. Make sure to clean the lint trap between every load and once or twice a year give you dryer and vent a thorough cleaning.

Deep Cleaning Your Dryer

Being by unplugging your dryer and if necessary turn off the gas. Most dryers allow you to quickly remove the front or top panel to access the dryer cabinet. If you are like most Cincinnati homeowners, you will find that your dryer cabinet is loaded with lint. Take your vacuum with a hose attachment and vaccuum up the lint within in your cabinet around the drum in the lint filter.

Next up, the dryer duct. After removing the duct from the back of your dryer, you will likely be shocked by the amount of lint built up inside. Congested dryer ducts pose a serious fire risk to your Cincinnati home or business. Before beginning cleaning of your dryer duct, take note of the material it is made out of. If you have a flexible dryer vent, especially one made of plastic, consider replacing it with a rigid metal vent, which is generally much safer.

After removing the dryer duct from the back of your dryer, you may need a brush to help dislodge built up lint. After taking a dryer duct brush to your duct, you should be able to successfully remove most of the lint with you the hose attachement on your vaccum. Most of the lint is likely built up within 1 ft of either end of your duct. Also make sure to clean the actual vent, located on the exterior of your home.

Finally, carefully reassemble your dryer’s duct. Reconnect both ends of the duct and tighten any seals. Running the dryer for about 10 minutes can help to remove any left over lint that you may have unclogged. This simple cleaning process will help keep your dryer running smoothly and safely.

For professional dryer maintenance, cleaning, or repair in Mason Ohio and greater Cincinnati call on Tri-City Appliance Repair at (513) 370-4865.