Is your dryer all wet? Make sure vent is clear and clean

In 2006, my company restored two homes hit by fires caused by clothes dryers. Most of us don't think about our washers and dryers after we have them installed. In this week's articles, I thought I would discuss some basics in clothes dryer care.

If you have a lint-clogged dryer venting system, your clothes will not dry properly. You will spend more than needed in electric or fuel costs to dry your clothes and a lot of time will be wasted waiting to get your clothes completely dry.

Your dryer vent pipe or flex exhaust hose should be cleaned once a year to prevent lint build up. The easiest way to tell if you have a clogged system is to turn your dryer on and go outside, find your exterior vent and feel to see if you have a strong flow of warm air coming out. If not, it is time to clean the system.

To clean the vent system, pull the dryer out and disconnect the flex hose from the exhaust port. Check the exhaust end of the dryer and clean out any debris. Check the flex hose for any built-up lint debris. If the flex hose lint clog can't be reached, you may have to replace the entire hose. Before you replace it, check the exterior vent to see if the clog is at that end. Also, make sure the hose does not have any dents or sharp bends that will cause lint to collect.

The lint filter in the dryer must be cleaned frequently. A clogged lint filter allows lint to accumulate. Lint is very combustible and can eventually start a fire. A dirty lint filter blocks airflow, which will cost you more money.

Drying tip: I know all of you run to your dryer and immediately empty it as soon as it stops. If you're like me, I always forget to empty the dryer when it stops and I usually find the item I need full of wrinkles once I discover it is still in the dryer. Don't rewash or iron your clothes when this happens — just toss a damp towel in the dryer and rerun the load for several more minutes. Note: Never mix a white towel in with dark clothes. If you do, you will find yourself with another problem — lint.

If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed at NWES (255-2266) or send them to the Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864; Attn: What Would Ed Do?

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified forensic, fire, flood, mold inspection and remediation contractor. Ed is the chief executive officer of Northwest Executive and Environmental Services, LLC.