What Do I Do If I Drop Something in My Dryer Vent?

Having something accidentally drop in your dryer vent can be a nightmare. If you are worried about this, there are a few things you can do to help. The first is to call in a professional. They will be able to remove your dryer from the vent and clean it out. You can also buy cleaning kits online which will help you do this. The second thing you can do is to clean the duct tubes. This will help you avoid lint buildup.

Remove the lint trap screws

Luckily, you do not have to call a professional to clean your dryer vent. There are tools that you can use at home that will get your dryer vent looking great. However, if you have a lot of lint in your dryer vent, it may be time to hire a pro to clean it for you.

First, you will need to open the front of your dryer. Then, you will need to remove the cover. You will also need to remove the front panel. You may have to use a putty knife to dislodge spring clips on the control panel.

Once you have removed the front panel, you can remove the top panel. You will also need to remove the screws that hold the upper panel in place.

Clean the lint trap

Whether you have a new dryer or you are using an older one, cleaning the lint trap after dropping something in your dryer vent can help improve the dryer’s performance and prolong its lifespan. Not only does cleaning your dryer reduce fire hazards, it also helps your clothes dry more quickly and saves you money on energy costs.

Your dryer’s lint trap is usually located on the top right corner of the appliance. It is a screen that captures the majority of lint produced during the drying process. It should be cleaned on a regular basis.

The lint trap can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner or with warm soapy water and a soft-bristled brush. Rinse the screen well after cleaning to remove any soap residue.

Get a tennis ball out of the lint trap

Having a tennis ball stuck in your dryer vent could lead to a fire hazard. The lint trap is designed to catch ambient lint. When other items enter the trap, the air becomes hotter, and the dryer may not function as efficiently. It also slows down the drying process.

The lint trap is not the only area in your dryer that could benefit from cleaning. You should also consider using a specialized brush kit to clean the vent.

There are some newer dryers that have built-in sensors that alert you if the vent is clogged. Aside from lint, coins can also rattle around inside the trap, and other items can prevent proper air circulation.

For the most part, you don’t have to clean the entire dryer vent, but a clean lint trap can prolong the life of the dryer heating element, and keep energy costs down. You may also want to consider a vacuum attachment, which can remove fluff beneath the lint trap.

Clean the duct tubes

Having your duct tubes cleaned is a great way to save money on your energy bill and ensure the safety of your family. If you find yourself with a clogged dryer vent, you may be able to hire a professional to clean it for you. Some dryer vent cleaning services also offer duct cleaning kits.

Cleaning a dryer vent can take several hours. In some cases, you may have to assemble and disassemble the vent. Depending on the length of the duct, cleaning could take up to three hours. The USFA recommends cleaning your dryer vent at least once a year.

Before cleaning, check the vent for damage and blockages. If you find any, replace it with a more durable product. Lint that is trapped in ducts can become hot enough to combust.

Prevent lint buildup

Keeping your dryer vent clean is an important maintenance task. Lint buildup can be very dangerous and can cause fires. It is recommended that you clean your dryer vent at least once a year.

Lint is made up of small particles of cloth and cotton. Clothing made of wool generates more lint than those made of synthetic materials. These lint particles stick to the walls of your venting system and impede the flow of air.

The lint filter on your dryer is a good way to prevent lint buildup. A clogged filter reduces the efficiency of your dryer. Using a nonflammable household cleaner can be helpful to clean your lint filter. You should clean your filter after every use.