Clean out your dryer vents

[u/Kitso_258]

If your living situation allows you to have your own dedicated washer/dryer within your home-space, clean out your dryer vent. Unscrew the lint trap holder and vaccuum out the stuff stuck to the sides. You can get a lint duct brush and mostly clean the ducts yourself, or if it's bad/out of reach, hire a professional. This is especially important if you've got pets - my dryer was FULL of pet hair.

Why is this important? Several reasons:

1, new appliances are in short supply right now. Take care of the one you've got.
2, new appliances cost money, see above.
3, it'll increase the efficiency of your dryer and use less electricity.

But the most important reason is that this is a HUGE fire risk. Lint = tinder, and all it takes is one spark in the wrong place to cause the lint to combust. And by spark, as everyone else has pointed out, it could just be the dryer heating element doing it's thing.

Little things like this... make our lives just a little bit better and safer.

Edit: Didn't expect this to blow up. If you wish to save the lint for future fire starter, then save away. My household produces SO MUCH of the crap that I don't ever worry about saving it for the long term...

[u/Ok-Echo6577]

Absolutely, keeping your dryer vent clean is crucial for both safety and efficiency. It’s great that you’re spreading awareness about this important maintenance task. Regularly cleaning the lint trap and using a lint duct brush are excellent steps, especially if you have pets. Pet hair can accumulate quickly and exacerbate lint buildup, leading to reduced efficiency and increased fire risk.

For those situations where the ducts are particularly challenging to clean or if the buildup is extensive, it’s often best to hire a professional. They have specialized equipment to ensure a thorough job and can reach areas that might be difficult to address with DIY methods.

One reputable option for professional dryer vent cleaning is Aurora Dryer Vent Cleaning Service. They offer comprehensive services to ensure your entire duct system is clean and functioning optimally. This not only helps in reducing fire risks but also improves the efficiency of your dryer, saving you money on energy costs.

Taking these steps is indeed a small effort that can make a big difference in ensuring your home is safe and your appliances run efficiently. Thanks for highlighting this important issue!