Get matched with top dryer vent cleaners in New Windsor, IL

Signs that your dryer is about to catch fire include a burning smell or the dryer and the clothes getting hotter than usual. If this happens, turn the dryer off immediately and call a repair professional. Another less urgent sign is that your clothes are taking longer to dry than normal. If this is the case, check the lint trap, vent, and duct to make sure they are all clean. If they are, you may need to call a pro to find the source of the issue.

If you're dealing with an odor in your dryer that transfers onto your clothes and linens, here's what you can do: start by cleaning the lint trap and drum with warm soapy water. Then wipe down the interior using a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar to eliminate any lingering odors.

To get rid of odors you can try this method: take a cloth soaked in vinegar and put it inside the dryer. Run the dryer on a heat setting for 15 minutes. Afterward, make sure to dry the drum by running it with some towels. This technique helps eliminate any smells and leaves your dryer smelling nice and fresh.

If the odors remain, you may need to sanitize your dryer or call in a professional house cleaner to handle the job.

The main factor to a full lint trap is what you are drying. Clothing or textiles made of heavy natural materials, like wool sweaters or cotton towels, generally create more lint than synthetic fibers. If you wash the same type of clothes all the time and suddenly start to notice more lint, that may be a sign that your dryer vent is getting clogged and you need to call in a pro for a professional cleaning. 

You will know if your dryer is overheating by placing your hand on top to feel its temperature. If it’s hot to the touch, that’s a clear sign the dryer is overheated. Other signs include your laundry coming out hotter than usual, a burnt smell when it’s running, or burn marks on your laundry.