Cleaning your dryer vents regularly is the best way to prevent dryer fires. However, there are some things that homeowners overlook when it comes to cleaning their dryer ducts.
In this article, learn about the most common dryer cleaning mistakes and how to prevent them. This keeps your dryer functioning properly and also prevents house fires from clogged dryer vents.
For regular professional Toronto dryer vent cleaning, contact your local cleaning company for an estimate.
DIY Dryer Vent Cleaning Step-By-Step
Before we highlight the most common Toronto dryer vent cleaning mistakes, here is a step-by-step guide for cleaning the vents for your dryer.
- Turn of the gas supply to the dryer and/or unplug the dryer unit.
- Move the dryer away from the walls.
- Detach the outside dryer exhaust tube.
- Shake out any loose lint before using a vacuum hose to remove any remaining debris and lint from the dryer duct.
- Use a vacuum to clean the outside dryer exhaust vent.
- Inside, clean the area around the dryer, especially the floor.
- Carefully inspect the dryer duct for any damage, including cracks, and replace any broken ductwork.
- Clean the ducts using a vacuum attachment
- Reattach the dryer vent carefully
- Push the dryer back where it belongs and plug in and/or turn on the gas supply.
Common Mistakes Made When Dryer Vent Cleaning
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Using the wrong equipment to clean dryer vents.
It is critical that homeowners use the right equipment to clean the dryer ductwork. Using the wrong equipment damages the ductwork, and cleaning leads to dryer fires. This is why professional cleaning is recommended, as they possess the right training and equipment.
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Waiting Too Long Between Dryer Vent Cleaning
Depending on how often you run your dryer, it is recommended that you clean your vents at least once or twice a year. Neglecting to clean your lint traps and ductwork leads to house fires and/or damage to the dryer unit itself.
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Neglecting To Unplug Dryer And/Or Turn Off Power Source
One of the biggest mistakes people make when dryer vent cleaning is to unplug the dryer from the wall and/or turn off the power source or gas supply. This is extremely dangerous and leads to getting shocked from the power source. Gas-powered dryers require the supply to be shut off to prevent gas leaks.
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Forgetting About Moisture Sensors In Dryer Unit
If your dryer contains a moisture sensor, it is important that you also clean it while cleaning the dryer and the dryer vents. Remove any lint and debris using rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball. Make sure the power source is turned off/disconnected first.
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Cleaning The Dryer Vent If You Don’t Know What You Are Doing
Perhaps the biggest mistake you can make is to attempt to clean the dryer vent with little to no experience. Watching a tutorial video or using an online guide is certainly helpful. However, if you are the least bit unsure that you feel confident with dryer vent cleaning, it is best to call a professional cleaning team to do the job for you.
