Owens Chimney Systems offers our community some of the best chimney services you can find but that’s not all. We are experts at dryer vent cleaning and we’ve seen our fair share of issues that cause a dryer to not dry properly. But there are two main culprits that we see time and time again: clogged lint traps and dirty dryer vents.
Cleaning Your Dirty Lint Trap
Let’s start with the lint trap. The lint trap is the first line of defense for your dryer, catching any loose fibers from your clothes before they can clog the rest of the machine. But over time, all that lint can build up, reducing airflow and making it harder for your dryer to do its job.
The solution? Clean your lint trap after every use. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference. And don’t forget to check the edges of the trap and the small crevices around it – lint loves to hide there.
Cleaning your lint trap is as easy as pulling it out and gently removing the collected lint with your fingers or a soft brush. While this will keep your lint trap unclogged, over time invisible clogs can collect in the trap as well. Chemicals in dryer sheets and balls can be trapped with the lint.
On a regular basis you should give your lint trap a gentle bath of warm water, gently washing the screen. Once done, let your lint trap dry completely. Then return it to its place in the dryer so you can continue drying your clothes.
Addressing Dirty Dryer Vents
Even if you’re religious about cleaning your lint trap, it’s still possible for your dryer to not dry properly. That’s where the dryer vent comes in. The vent is the pipe that carries hot air from your dryer to the outside, but if it gets clogged with lint or other debris, it can reduce the airflow and cause your clothes to take forever to dry.
Other things to be aware of are the increased risk of fires and gas leaks. A clogged vent won’t allow air to escape as efficiently, which can lead to some major hazards when you put your overheated appliance together with a bunch of flammable lint. There have also been carbon monoxide leaks caused by backed up vents.
The solution? Have your vents professionally cleaned once per year by hiring Owens Chimney Systems for the job.
Can this job be a DIY one? We wouldn’t recommend it. Many sweeps have seen firsthand the damage this can cause when brushes and vacuum attachments get stuck in the vents. This leads to potential hazards and can wind up costing you more in the long run.
Other Possible Causes
While the biggest causes of dryers not drying efficiently are the lint trap and the dryer vent, there are other things that may be causing you the stress that comes with a poorly functioning dryer.
- Overloading the dryer: If you cram too many clothes into your dryer, it will be harder for hot air to circulate and dry your clothes.
- Clogged airways: Besides the lint trap, there could be other areas of the dryer that are clogged, reducing airflow and making it harder to dry your clothes.
- Broken heating element: If the heating element in your dryer is broken, it won’t be able to generate enough heat to dry your clothes.
- Thermostat problems: If the thermostat in your dryer isn’t working properly, it may not be able to regulate the temperature, making it difficult to dry your clothes.
- Blocked exhaust: If your dryer’s exhaust duct is blocked, hot air will have a harder time getting outside, making it harder to dry your clothes.
- Faulty drum seals: If the seals around the dryer drum are damaged, air will escape, reducing the efficiency of the machine.
- Moisture sensor problems: Some dryers have sensors that measure the moisture level of your clothes and adjust the drying time accordingly. If these sensors aren’t working properly, your clothes may not dry completely.
- Electrical issues: If there’s a problem with the electrical supply to your dryer, it may not be able to function properly and dry your clothes.
Call Us for Quality Services
Everyone wants their appliances to work as they should. When your dryer isn’t drying, start by taking care of your lint trap and dryer vent – they’re both important steps in keeping your dryer running properly.
Call Owens Chimney Systems for the quality care you deserve. Either dial 704-610-7794 or book with us online today.