Why Are They Still Wet? 3 Signs Your Dryer Vent Might Be Clogged

Posted on: 22 August 2016

If your dryer has suddenly stopped drying your clothes properly, you might not need a repair technician. You just need to clean out your vent. This might seem like an overly simple solution, but a dirty vent can cause all kinds of problems. If your dryer isn't working properly, you should check your dryer vent. It could be clogged with lint from your clothing. Here are three signs that your dryer vent needs to be cleaned as soon as possible.

It's Taking Longer to Dry Your Clothes Properly

If your clothes are taking longer to get dry, the problem might be with your dryer vent. When your dryer vent is clogged, the air can't circulate properly, which means your clothes will take longer to get dry. This is particularly true if your clothes remain damp through several dryer cycles. If you're having to send to your clothes through several cycles to get them dry, try cleaning out your dryer vent.

The Outside of the Dryer is Extremely Hot

When the air inside your dryer isn't able to escape through the vent, it has to build up inside the dryer compartment. When that happens, your dryer will overheat. If your dryer isn't working properly, feel the exterior while it's running. If the outside of your dryer is hot, you probably have a clogged vent.

Your Clothes Come Out Smelling Burnt

If your dryer vent is clogged with lint, you have a potential fire hazard on your hand. According to research there are about 15,000 dryer-related fires each year.  Dryer lint is extremely combustible. Smell your clothing when it comes out of the dryer. If your clothing smells like smoke, you need to clean your dryer vent as soon as possible. That smoky smell could signify that the lint in your vent is overheating, which could cause a fire. It's important to note that if your laundry area smells like smoke while the dryer is running, you should turn it off, open a door or window and call 9-1-1. Your dryer may be experiencing a lint fire.

If your dryer isn't working the way that it should, you might have a dirty vent. The information provided here will help you identify potential problems associated with clogged vents. If you continue to have problems with your dryer after you clean the vents, be sure to contact a dryer repair technician as soon as possible, such as those found at Automatic Appliance.

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