When we dry our clothes in a dryer, they can shed off bits of fabric fibers. These fibers can accumulate and get stuck on a dryer screen. If you don’t want your home to catch fire, regularly hiring professional Dryer vent cleaning in Ashburn VA is recommended.
How Does A Dryer Lint Get Extracted?
Lint buildup is a common issue in dryers. This happens because of the friction of wear that is responsible for bits of fiber getting extracted from our apparel. This bits of fiber remains in our clothes while it is being washed and is still wet. It only comes off during the drying process — wherein friction escalates because of the tumbling mechanism facilitated by the machine.
According to experts in dryer vent cleaning in Ashburn VA, homeowners with more clothes made from cotton, wool, and other natural fibers tend to have more dryer lint. This type of fiber is more to friction wear compared to their synthetic counterparts.
The Danger Of A Dryer Lint
According to a 2020 report from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), around 13,000 to 15,000 home fires can be traced to clothes dryers. Of this statistic, an estimated 27% is caused by lint accumulation.
In the same report, the NFPA said fires caused by dryer lint buildup have resulted in $233 million worth of property damage.
When there’s too much lint buildup, a dryer’s ductwork can deliver poorer performance. With vents getting clogged, the heat produced by your dryer won’t be effectively redirected outside. When there’s too much heat, it can cause your home to catch fire.
However, a dryer lint isn’t only dangerous for households. Did you know that a lint also has microplastics? These minute components can get into the water system, and once it enters our marine ecosystem, it can harm fishes and other marine life.
How To Keep Your Dryer Lint-Free
Knowing how hazardous a dryer lint can be, it’s part of every homeowner’s responsibility to keep their dryer lint-free. From hiring professional dryer vent cleaning in Ashburn VA to knowing vital tell-tale signs, here’s what you can do to prolong the life of your dryer and protect your home in the process.
Make it a habit to clean your filter after every load. One of the simplest things you can do is clean your lint filter in between every load. After doing the laundry, make sure to wipe down your machine’s interior to remove any extra lint.
Be wary of signs of a clogged vent and filter. Is it taking too much time before your clothes dry? Are you hearing or smelling something unusual coming from your dryer? Is your utility bill unusually high? If you encounter any or all of these, it’s high time to have your dryer professionally cleaned.
Enlist professional help every six months. The general rule of thumb is to hire professional services twice a year. But depending on your machine’s performance or the lifestyle of your household, it can be more frequent than this.
Dryer vent cleaning in Ashburn VA lowers the risk for fire among its other great benefits. If you need your vents professionally cleaned, our team at JCS Home Services can help. Contact us today!