How Often Should You Clean Your Dryer Vent?

A sigh of relief: it always feels good to check that last item off your spring-cleaning to-do list, but check it twice, did you remember to clean your dryer vent?
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It’s not something you probably think about much but cleaning your dryer vent is an important part of routine maintenance in your home.

 How to know when it is time to clean your dryer vent:

• It takes longer than normal to dry your clothes
• There is a burning odor coming from your dryer when in use
• The dryer feels hot to the touch when in use
• There is an excessive amount of lint every time you clean the lint basket
• Debris build up is noticeable around the dryer hose
• It has been over a year since your dryer vent has been inspected

What does a professional dryer vent inspection and cleaning include?

Here is a step by step of what to expect a professional service to provide:

1. The dryer vent opening is thoroughly inspected, from the inside to the outside where the vent exists the home. If dirt, animal waste or other debris are present around the exit vent opening, they are removed.
2. A rotational brush is then inserted into the dryer vent opening and ran completely through the vent to pull out dust, lint, dirt, and whatever else might have snuck its way past your lint trap (say hello to those two Lego pieces your kid lost a year ago).
3. The area behind the dryer is cleaned (how does it get so dirty back there!?)
4. The dryer lint trap and drum are thoroughly cleaned. 

How frequently should the lint trap vent and dryer vent be cleaned?

Your parents probably taught you to clean the lint trap after every load – and they were right! Be sure to pull out all visible lint before you dry a new load and vacuum out any hard-to-reach areas. As far as cleaning the dryer vent, we recommend once per year or more often if:

​You have a large family.
More people in the family = more loads of laundry. The more loads of laundry, the more lint and debris that build up in the vent. If you notice signs that your dryer vent needs to be cleaned, even after getting it done in the same year, it’s a good idea to go ahead and have it done again.
 
You have pets.
Pet hair – it’s everywhere! Especially in your dryer vent after wearing it on your clothes all day. Since dryer vents get clogged more quickly with fur babies present, it’s a good idea to get your dryer vent cleaned more often. 
 
You wash a lot of bedding.
Ever notice how full the lint trap is after washing your favorite blanket? Bulky laundry tends to shed a lot more than your normal weekly load of clothes, so if you do dry a lot of blankets, your vents might become clogged faster.

What are the benefits of regular dryer vent cleanings?

• Saves money on energy bills: your dryer doesn’t have to work as hard to do its job when it is clean which allows it to run at peak efficiency and lowers the amount of energy it has to consume to get the job done, resulting in lower energy bills!
• Extends the life of your dryer: a clean dryer vent means the dryer is less likely to get overheated while drying your clothes, which helps to prevent untimely breakdowns.
• Reduces the risk of a house fire: Lint that builds up over time is highly flammable and when your machine is overheating due to a clogged vent the risk for a fire increases significantly. 

Can I clean my dryer vent myself?

​Of course! Your local hardware store can provide you with the tools you need to thoroughly clean your dryer vent. But – if the hassle and the mess is something you don’t want to deal with, call a professional like Country Air to come help you out. We offer free quotes and competitive pricing for dryer vent cleaning. Call us today at 281-356-8564.