The Dryer Vent Mistake That Could Cause A Major Accident In Your Home

Home upgrades are sometimes necessary, but it's important to make sure that they're not causing more problems for you later on. For instance, this post from Dirty Dryer Vent Cleaning Inc. on Instagram shows one Florida homeowner's dryer malfunctioning because their exhaust vent was stuck shut from being painted over on an exterior wall. But painting a dryer vent shut is way more than just a nuisance — it can also lead to a fire or another accident in the home.

It's important to keep your dryer vent clean and clear, not only so your appliance is in the best working condition but also so as not to pose a risk to yourself or your property. According to research from Consumer Affairs, there are over 13,000 home fires started by dryers annually, which adds up to about 4% of all home fires. But beyond creating damaging fires, dirty or blocked dryer vents can also cause carbon monoxide to leak into the home or could exacerbate health issues like asthma and allergies. A clean dryer vent that is working efficiently can help ensure the safety of your home and can lead to big savings on your energy bill.

If you are worried about a dirty or blocked dryer vent, there are a few signs to look out for before an accident happens. For example, if your dryer is not working the way it used to and is taking a longer time to dry your clothes, that could be one of the first telltale signs. Some other things to look out for include a musty or burning smell whenever you use the dryer, excess heat, or finding more lint on your clothes or around the appliance itself.

You should have your dryer vents fully cleaned about every one to three years, depending on your use, and check to see that the vent is not blocked by anything (paint or otherwise). Your vents should open freely to let out the exhaust, so all the hinges should be working correctly. A word of caution, however: never reach for WD-40 when cleaning your dryer vent because its ingredients are highly flammable. 

If a fire does occur, just call 911 from a safe area and do not open the dryer door –– allowing extra oxygen in will make the fire stronger and more dangerous. The lint filter inside the dryer should also be cleaned before every use –– but you can also reuse dryer lint to protect your garden soil from erosion instead of just throwing it away. Doing regular upkeep will also mean that your dryer will work better for longer as well, so a little prevention goes a long way.