Cleaning A Commercial Tumble Dryers Duct: A Guide

Your onsite laundry room needs to be a safe, compliant, and efficient environment. 

To achieve this, carrying out regular maintenance on your machines is crucial. In the case of commercial dryers, a key maintenance routine that is commonly overlooked is the cleaning of the dryer ducts. 

In this guide, we’re going to cover the importance of cleaning the dryer ducts and the steps involved. 

The Issues Caused By Blocked Dryer Ducts

A byproduct of commercial dryer use is lint. Over time this lint accumulates within the dryer ducting and gradually constricts airflow. This causes the following issues:

Fire Hazards

Lint is flammable and the accumulation within the ductwork creates a fire risk. The combination of restricted airflow, which can lead to overheating, and the presence of a combustible material is a dangerous one.

Reduced Energy Efficiency

When airflow is restricted, the dryer has to work a lot harder and for longer periods to effectively dry laundry. This increased operation time causes higher energy consumption and will increase gas and/or electricity bills. 

Mould and Odour Issues

Trapped moisture within lint-filled ducts can create a breeding ground for mould and mildew. This can lead to bad odours and potentially affect the hygiene of the laundry. 

Compromised Dryer Performance

The reduced airflow forces the dryer to operate inefficiently, leading to longer drying cycles and potentially damaging the equipment overtime. This can result in increased maintenance costs and a shorter lifespan for your commercial dryers. 

Laws and Compliance

Adherence to fire safety is a legal obligation. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 mandates that businesses conduct regular fire safety risk assessments and maintain these assessments. This includes the inspection and maintenance of the dryer ductwork to ensure the safety of your premises. 

Cleaning The Ductwork Professionally 

Whilst it might differ slightly from laundry room to laundry room, a commercial dryer duct cleaning service typically involves the following steps:

Visual Inspection

The process beings with a thorough visual inspection of the entire ductwork system. This allows the engineer to identify any potential access challenges or existing issues.

Removing Debris and Lint

Using specialised tools, including high-powered vacuums and rotary brushes, all accumulated lint, dust, and debris are meticulously removed from the entire length or the ductwork. 

Filters

All filters within the systems are thoroughly cleaned to ensure optimal airflow.

Verification

Once the cleaning is complete, the engineer will verify the effectiveness of the work. A certificate of completion is then provided, documenting the work carried out and demonstrating your compliance with safety regulations. 

Why Enlisting a Professional Matters

While removing lint from the dryer itself may seem a straightforward task, a build-up within the ducting can be difficult to address without assistance from a laundry professional.

•    Attempting to clean dryer ducts without the necessary expertise can be ineffective and could damage your equipment. 
•    Knowledge of regulations ensures the cleaning process meets regulatory standards.
•    Laundry professionals and engineers like at GA Commercial have the necessary cleaning tools and equipment to remove lint, dust, and debris.
•    Work is carried out to a high standard with minimal disruption to your laundry room.
•    Any issues with the duct work like blockages, faults, or kinks can be resolved.

On top of the dryer ducts, you also must consider the ducting in the walls and ceilings. This contributes to the risk of fire in your laundry room. Blocked and lint-filled wall and ceiling ducting can also cause poor air quality. This can contribute to respiratory problems, allergies, and other health issues for residents, staff, customers e.c.t. 

Don’t wait to address your ductwork. Proactive cleaning is the best way to prevent these issues and ensure the health and safety of your building, its staff, customers, and residents. 

For expert machine maintenance, get in contact with GA Commercial today. We prioritise safety in the operation of commercial laundry machines. We understand the importance of regular safety checks and services for optimal performance and compliance. Our team ensures that commercial laundry machines undergo regular services at 6 to 12 monthly intervals.