Cleaning a dryer’s exhaust system is so much more than routine cleaning of the lint trap, or lint screen, with each load of laundry. It’s so much more than wiping the dryer’s drum with warm soapy water and a cloth.

It’s entirely possible that the dryer’s warranty wouldn’t be honored by the manufacturer if the system wasn’t routinely maintained, once per year at a minimum.

The biggest reason is to prevent a fire hazard. Lint accumulates in areas other than the lint screen, as the lint screen captures roughly only 90% of the lint produced with each drying cycle. The lint that escapes the lint trap is moved through the dryer’s exhaust duct by the hot, humid airflow and it adheres to the moist passageway, building up over time. This flammable lint poses a fire risk as it restricts the airflow, affecting the dryer’s performance and causing it to overheat.

Cleaning frequency is one time per year. Some important considerations that could change the frequency to every six months include:

• How many loads you do a week
• Length of your dryer’s exhaust duct
• How many bends are in your dryer’s exhaust duct
• Pets? Fur and animal dander are huge contributors to blockages
• The exterior wall vent type and condition of it
• What brand of laundry detergent you use (some of the less expensive brands are very sticky)
• Dryer manufacturer’s requirements
• 
  

Dryers in summer homes and winter homes are used less frequently and may be cleaned every three years, depending on the washing frequency of heavy blankets and winter clothing, as well as the presence of pet fur and dander.

When it comes to maintaining your home, checking to see what is going on behind the dryer is a crucial part of this maintenance. It keeps the dryer working at peak performance, it helps to avoid the buildup of hot, humid air in your home and subsequent introduction of mold. It helps to ensure your dryer is operating efficiently and keeps your family safe from the fire risk created by lint buildup.

While you are checking the dryer's exhaust system, ensure you have the safest, most efficient duct behind your dryer. DryerFlex is a great example! Visit the DryerFlex website to learn more about this code compliant exhaust duct.

It's easy to order DryerFlex for your home - simply visit the product page on BetterVenting.

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