If you’ve ever found yourself standing in front of your dryer, staring at a load of clothes that are still wet, you know the frustration that comes with trying to figure out why your dryer isn’t drying. There are several reasons why this might be happening, but two of the most common culprits are:
- a clogged lint trap
- a clogged dryer vent
Let’s take a closer look at why both lint trap cleaning and dryer vent cleaning are so important – and what you can do to keep your dryer running smoother.
Why Lint Trap Cleaning Is Important
The lint trap is the place where the majority of lint accumulates as your clothes are dried. Over time, this lint can build up and cause problems with your dryer. A clogged lint trap can reduce the efficiency of your dryer, causing it to work harder and longer to dry your clothes. This can lead to increased energy costs, as well as a higher risk of fire.
Because of this, it’s important to clean your lint trap off after every load. To clean your lint trap, simply remove it from your dryer and gently shake or brush off any accumulated lint. You can also use a vacuum to suck up any lint that’s harder to remove by hand. It’s important to do this after every load of laundry, and to replace your lint trap if it shows any signs of wear or tear.
We also recommend giving your dryer’s lint trap a deep clean. Dryer sheets, and other wrinkle-removing products contain chemicals that can build up and clog your lint trap. These clogs are nearly invisible, but can be a problem all the same. Give your lint trap a deeper cleaning by running it under warm water and gently scrubbing the screen. Once the lint trap is clean, allow it to air dry before using it again.
Why Dryer Vent Cleaning Services Are Important
The dryer vent is the duct that carries hot air from your dryer to the outside of your home. Over time, lint and other debris can build up in the vent, making it harder for air to pass through. This can cause your dryer to work harder and take longer to dry your clothes. Like a dirty lint trap, build up in your dryer vent can lead to increased energy costs and a higher risk of fire.
The best way to ensure your dryer vent is as clean as possible is to have a professional from Ashbusters Chimney Service come and clean it for you. The process is thorough and affordable, and by trusting a pro you’ll significantly reduce the risk of experiencing damage or other hazards.
It’s important to do this at least once a year – or more often if you use your dryer frequently.
Additional Causes of a Dryer Not Drying
In addition to a clogged lint trap and a clogged dryer vent, there are several other reasons why your dryer might not be drying your clothes effectively. Some of these causes include:
A damaged or worn drum belt: If the drum belt that rotates your dryer’s drum is damaged or worn, it can cause the drum to stop rotating. This can prevent your clothes from tumbling, which can make it difficult for them to dry effectively.- A damaged heating element: If the heating element in your dryer is damaged, it won’t be able to generate enough heat to dry your clothes. This can cause your dryer to run for longer than it should, which can increase your energy costs and put a strain on your dryer’s motor.
- A clogged exhaust vent: If the area where your dryer’s hot air exits your home is blocked up, this can be a cause for concern. It can cause your dryer to work harder and longer to dry your clothes, which can lead to increased energy costs and a higher risk of fire.
- A malfunctioning thermostat: If the thermostat that controls the temperature in your dryer isn’t working correctly, it can cause the dryer to overheat or underheat. This can make it difficult for your clothes to dry effectively, and can also put a strain on your dryer’s heating element.
A dryer that isn’t drying your clothes can be a major inconvenience, but it can also be a sign of a larger problem. Cleaning your lint trap and dryer vent regularly can help to keep your dryer running smoothly, but it’s important to keep an eye out for other issues as well.
Call On Our Experts Today
Ashbusters Milwaukee offers a tremendous amount of chimney and dryer services for your home and among them is a high quality dryer vent cleaning that can give you peace of mind as you wash and dry your clothes. Call 414-310-7087 or reach out online today to schedule a dryer vent cleaning.