Last Updated on May 16, 2023
Although a dryer is named for its drying capabilities, it may not always fully dry your garments as expected. If you notice your clothes are still damp after a full cycle or if the exterior of the dryer is emitting excessive heat, it could indicate that you need to carry out dryer vent cleaning Markham. Cleaning these ducts is crucial not just for the efficiency of your dryer but also for your safety. Over time, lint buildup can ignite and create a fire hazard, causing millions of dollars in damages, injuries, and even fatalities annually. If you detect a burning odor in your laundry area, it’s essential to clean your dryer vent ducts sooner rather than later.
According to experts, it’s advisable to clean your dryer ducts twice a year. Even though the idea of doing dryer vent cleaning Markham by yourself may appear daunting, there are ways to do it effectively, inexpensively, and quickly.
- Assemble The Tools to Use
You will need to gather the following materials:Â
- Vacuum fitted with a home attachment.
- Dustpan and bloom.
- Power drill.
- Duct tape, and…
- Dryer vent cleaning kit.
- Locate The Dryer Vent
To begin the dryer vent cleaning Markham process, the first step is to locate it. Typically, dryers are linked to a brief 4-inch diameter exhaust tube, which subsequently connects to ductwork within a wall. The hot air produced by the dryer is then forced through this tube and expelled through a vent on the exterior wall of your residence.
After you’ve identified your outdoor dryer exhaust vent, examine the interior to check for any debris, such as lint, dust, or even dead insects. Clean any screens and remove any noticeable blockages.
- Disconnect The Vent
After understanding the functioning of your ducts, it’s time to unplug your dryer. Once you’ve disconnected the dryer, remove any metal clamps or tape that fasten the dryer vent pipe to its exhaust. When pulling the vent pipe from the wall duct, be gentle and apply slight pressure to prevent damaging the pipe.
- Vacuum The Lint
At this point, you should be able to get a clear view of the inside of your dryer vent from your laundry area or nook. Utilize the hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner to remove any debris or lint around or in the opening. If you have a handheld vacuum, you can repeat this procedure on the exterior duct. If you don’t have a handheld vacuum, you can clear any debris manually from the outside.
- Thoroughly Clean in There Using a Brush
Connect the dryer brush included in your dryer vent cleaning toolkit to your power drill and carefully insert the brush end of the rod into the duct. Remember to be mindful of the path your duct takes, as you may need to maneuver the hose attachment.Â
Push the brush as far back as possible to ensure a thorough dryer vent cleaning, Markham. If you encounter difficulty in pushing the brush all the way through the duct or if the brush isn’t long enough, attempt to insert the brush head through the outside duct.
- Clean Up and Then Reconnect
By now, you’ve probably discovered a significant amount of lint accumulated in your ducts. It’s essential to use a broom and dustpan or a vacuum cleaner to clear away the debris.
Once you’ve completed the dryer vent cleaning Markham process, plug your dryer back into the outlet and reattach the wall duct. However, if your dryer uses a flexible, foil-style vent to connect to the wall duct, you should replace it with a more durable alternative. A 90-degree, fire-proof elbow made of aluminum is an excellent choice, as it not only provides better airflow but is also sturdier.
- Celebrate!
Congratulations! You’ve successfully cleaned your dryer vent and tackled a not-so-glamorous but essential task. You deserve a pat on the back for taking on the challenge and seeing it through to the end. Now, turn on your dryer and listen as the air flows freely through the vent without any obstacles. Enjoy the sweet sound of success as you know you won’t have to deal with damp clothes or endless cycles anymore. You did it all by yourself, and that’s something to be proud of!
