The risks of ignoring the lint in your dryer

What is dryer lint?

Dryer lint refers to the small fibres, particles, and debris that accumulate in the lint trap. It accumulates during the drying process.

When you dry your clothes, the hot air circulates through the dryer. Picking up loose fibres and lint from the fabrics. The lint trap, located inside the dryer near the door. Some dryer models have a lint trap on top of the dryer or at the base. Check your dryer manual if you are unable to locate it. The lint trap is there to collect lint.

Lint consists of tiny textile fibres. Such as cotton, polyester, or wool, along with other materials. Other materials such as pet hair, dust, and lint from previous drying cycles.

It appears as a soft, fluffy mass of fibres with a pale colour. Lint is lightweight and dislodged from fabrics. This is why it can accumulate and form blockages within the dryer vent if not regularly cleaned.

While lint may seem harmless, it is highly flammable. Accumulated lint in the dryer vent can pose a significant fire hazard. This is why it is crucial to clean the vent on a regular basis.

Dangers Of Ignoring Dryer Vent Lint

DRYER FIRES CANADA

According to cbc.ca, every year approximately 15,000 fires are caused by lint buildup in dryers.

DRYER LINT ISSUES

From fire hazards to dryer issues.

Not cleaning the dryer vent of lint can pose several risks, including:

Increased risk of fire:

Dryer lint is flammable. When it accumulates in the dryer vent, it can become a significant fire hazard. The heat produced during the drying process can ignite the lint. Leading to a dangerous fire that can spread throughout your home.

Reduced dryer efficiency

When the dryer vent is clogged with lint, airflow is restricted. This results in reduced dryer efficiency. It takes longer for clothes to dry, as the moist air cannot escape. This can increase energy consumption and utility bills over time.

Overheating of the dryer

Restricted airflow due to lint buildup can cause the dryer to overheat. Overheating can lead to damage to:

  • the heating elements,
  • the thermostat,
  • and other components within the dryer

This will result in costly repairs or the need for dryer replacement.

Shorter lifespan of the dryer

Excessive lint buildup and overheating can shorten the lifespan of your dryer. The strain on the dryer’s components can lead to premature wear and tear. Reducing its durability and effectiveness.

Indoor air pollution

Lint not only accumulates in the dryer vent but can also find its way into your home if the vent is clogged. This can lead to increased indoor air pollution. Inhaling these particles can cause respiratory problems and worsen allergies or asthma. It also can accumulate on furniture and countertops.

Carbon monoxide buildup (gas dryers only):

Gas dryers produce carbon monoxide during the drying process. If the dryer vent is full of lint, it can lead to a buildup of carbon monoxide within your home.

Carbon monoxide is a colourless and odourless gas. It is dangerous and even fatal. If inhaled in high concentrations.

To mitigate these risks. It is important to clean your dryer vent. Ensuring proper airflow and reducing the potential hazards associated with lint buildup.

Cleaning the dryer lint trap before each use is recommended. But don’t forget about the exhaust vent on the back of your dryer. We recommended cleaning the vent at least once a year. The cleaning frequency may vary depending on the dryer’s usage. As well as the specific requirements of your dryer.

We can clean your dryer vent only or as part of a complete furnace & duct work cleaning.

Get started on your healthy pet-friendly house with a complete furnace and duct clean from Klean King!

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Established in 1984. Klean King Furnace & Duct Cleaning is one of Regina’s oldest furnace and duct cleaning companies.

Proudly serving Regina and surrounding communities for over 35 years.

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We can clean:

  • Your Furnace
  • All Duct Work
  • Floor Registers
  • Cold Air Return Grills
  • Air Filtration Systems
  • Dryer Vents

306 781 6097

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1322 Broder Street
Regina, SK S4N 3R5

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Regular Air Duct Cleaning

Have you noticed a rise in allergy symptoms among your family? Or there is more dust in the air than usual?

Your home may need a duct cleaning!

Having clean air ducts helps circulate clean and fresh air in your home and greatly reduces allergens and irritants in the air. Here are some benefits that will have you calling a professional duct cleaner ASAP.

Benefits of Having Clean Air Ducts

  1. Creates a Cleaner Environment: Clean air ducts help reduce the amount of dust that circulates throughout your home. This in turn lowers the amount of cleaning that needs to be done to maintain a clean home.

  2. Reduces Allergens, Irritants and Odors: Pet dander, hair, bacteria, and mold, are all harmful airborne pollutants that can be trapped inside your air ducts. These can be harmful to those who suffer from allergies and respiratory problems. A build-up of dust and dirt can also result in a musty scent throughout your home.
  3. Breathe Easier: Having clean air helps everyone in your household to breathe easier and avoid any allergy triggers. It also ensures that the air you breathe is safe and clean.
  4. Improves Air Flow: Air ducts that are not clean can have heavy build-up and grime that makes it hard for air to efficiently flow throughout your home. This causes your system to have to work a lot harder than necessary.

Want to try to clean your home air ducts yourself? Here are some of our tips!

  1. Have the Right Materials: Before you start to clean your air ducts, it is important to have the proper materials for the job. These include screwdrivers, vacuums, brushes, and a new furnace filter.

  2. Turn on the Fan: Keeping your fan on will help you move the dust you are trying to vacuum up.
  3. Loosen any dust Collected: Sometimes dust and grime can get caught in your ducts. Make sure you are using a brush to loosen any build-up.
  4. Clean the Blower Compartment and Furnace Fan: Use a vacuum to suck up any dust from your furnace fan and blower compartment.
  5. Make sure to get Inside Your Ducts: Lastly, Make sure to get inside your ducts with both a vacuum and brush.

Keep your family breathing healthy and your systems running smoothly with air duct cleaning and remember

If you ever have any trouble cleaning your air ducts, it is important to call a professional.