How to Clean Your Dryer Vent and Prevent Fires

If you find that your ventilation grille is clogged, don't use harsh chemicals to remove it. You can use a solution of baking soda and water, as this is a safe and effective way to get rid of excess lint. Lint is also a major cause of fire in clothes dryers, so keeping the vent clean is essential for your safety. Clean the inside of the dryer with a damp cloth with water and vinegar, then rinse the area thoroughly using only water.

For persistent stains, you can use a baking soda paste, scrub, and then rinse thoroughly with water.

Routine dryer maintenance

is essential for avoiding fires. This includes removing lint from the dryer's lint collector after each load, inspecting the dryer drum every quarter, and cleaning the dryer vent regularly. This fresh scent is a great way not only to clean the dryer, but also to get rid of any odors from the dryer, which can cause an unpleasant smell on clothes and bed linen. Make sure that the vents outside your house are closed when the dryer is not in use. Finally, clean the inside of the dryer with an all-purpose cleaner to make sure you remove any remaining residue.

At the back of each dryer there is an exhaust hole that draws air from the appliance and expels it to the outside using a hose. Every year, dryers cause nearly 3,000 home fires, and 34% of them can be prevented by proper cleaning. The best way to keep your clothes dryer from catching fire is to make sure that it is cleaned regularly and maintained properly. Using a microfiber cloth and the following homemade all-purpose cleaning spray, clean the outside of the device. Using a long suction attachment, vacuum the inside of the dryer's exhaust hole, the connecting hose, and the vent opening that faces the outside.

You'll also want to check the vent cap located on the outside of the vent pipe to make sure it's clean and in good working order. The United States Fire Administration states that 34% of home fires caused by dryers could have been prevented by cleaning the dryer and removing lint. Another reason you should take time to clean your dryer regularly is to remove lint that builds up over time. Continue to clean the rest of the duct using the same technique, until no more lint comes out of the ventilation hose. My new dryer has a sensor that alerts me when I need to clean it, but I'm still in the habit of cleaning it after each use.