Did you know? About 2,900 dryer fires in residential buildings are reported in the US each year. The fires lead to about five deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss.

The number one cause? Dirty dryers. Keeping your dryer vent clean helps prevent dryer fires. But where do you start? Can you clean a dryer vent by yourself? Find out how to clean a dryer vent and more below. 

What Is a Dryer Vent?

A dryer vent is a tube that connects your dryer to the outside of your house. It carries all the moisture, lint, and even carbon monoxide away from your home. Without a proper vent, the moisture would have nowhere to go. This causes problems like mold, mildew, and overheating.

The dryer vent helps prevent moisture from building up inside your home. If the vent doesn’t lead outside, it can trap damp air inside, which can lead to mold growth or damage to your house. Plus, it helps get rid of dangerous gases like carbon monoxide, which could make you sick.

The dryer vent should never be made of plastic or vinyl because they can melt. If the vent is too long or clogged, your dryer has to work harder. This wastes energy and makes your dryer overheat. Keeping the vent clean lets your dryer work more efficiently and keeps your home safe.

Types of Dryer Vents

Not all dryer vents are the same, and choosing the right one can make a big difference. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common types and what you need to know about them:

1. Aluminum Foil Ducts: These are the most common and cheap. However, they’re not ideal for use inside walls.
2. Semi-Rigid Metal Ducts: They’re a step up from foil ducts. Semi-rigid metal ducts are flexible but less likely to crush and cause clogs.
3. Rigid Metal Ducts: They’re smooth inside, so they let lint flow better. They can also be installed inside walls.
4. Slim or Periscope Ducts: These help hide the dryer vent, which is useful if you want to save space.
5. Vinyl Vents: These used to be common but are now considered a fire hazard, so they're no longer recommended.

Why Is a Dryer Vent Important?

A dryer helps you dry your clothes quickly and safely. It uses heated air to evaporate the moisture in wet clothes. Then, a fan pushes the moist air out through the vent. This prevents your laundry room from getting damp and prevents problems like mold or mildew.

That moist air stays trapped inside without a proper dryer vent, which can cause dangerous issues. For one, it increases the risk of fires because lint and heat can build up in places you don’t want. Plus, carbon monoxide can fill your home without proper venting if you have a gas dryer. Carbon monoxide can cause fatigue, headaches, confusion, dizziness, and death in the worst cases.

You should also keep your dryer vent clean. If the vent gets clogged or doesn’t function properly, your dryer could overheat, not heat up, or stop working. A clean vent makes sure the dryer runs smoothly, dries your clothes faster, and lasts longer.

How Dryer Vents Get Dirty

Dryer vents slowly fill up with lint, moisture, and hair. As a result, your dryer works harder than it should. Here’s how dryer vents get dirty: 

Lint 

Dryer vents get dirty mainly because of lint buildup. When you dry clothes, small fibers and particles break off and get pushed into the vent. Over time, these particles accumulate and block airflow. When this happens, your dryer has to work harder, leading to issues like overheating and fires.

Moisture 

Moisture also makes a dryer vent dirty. As the air pushes out the moisture from your clothes, some can stick to the inside of the vent. This creates a sticky buildup that traps lint, making it even harder for the air to flow properly.

Improper Installation

A vent that’s too long or not properly installed creates more places for lint to gather. Any bends or turns in the vent can trap more debris.

Dust, Dirt, and Pet Hair

Dirt, dust, or pet hair can also clog dryer vents. They also make it easier for lint to stick and build up faster, leading to airflow issues.

Dryer Vent Safety Tips

A clogged, overheating, or malfunctioning vent can lead to explosions or fires. Here are some simple but effective tips to keep your dryer safe and reduce fire risks: 

1. Clean the Lint Trap Regularly

Always clean the lint filter before or after each load. Lint buildup can restrict airflow, which leads to overheating, malfunctioning, and fires. 

2. Inspect and Clean the Vent

Check your dryer vent regularly. Blocked vents can make your dryer overheat, explode, or ignite. Make sure the vent is made of rigid or semi-rigid metal as well. Plastic or foil ducts are more likely to catch fire. 

3. Schedule Professional Cleanings

Have your dryer vent professionally cleaned once a year, even if you regularly clean it yourself. A professional can remove stubborn lint and make sure everything is working properly.

4. Don’t Overload the Dryer

Overloading the dryer can cause it to overheat. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for load size to reduce the fire risk and prevent putting extra strain on the dryer.

5. Keep a Fire Prevention Kit

A fire prevention kit includes a fire blanket, fire spray, fire protection gloves, and fire extinguisher. You should also place carbon monoxide detectors, photoelectric smoke detectors, ionization smoke detectors, and fire sprinklers around. 

Signs Your Dryer Vent Needs Cleaning

Taking care of your dryer vent can save you time, effort, and money. If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s time to clean your vent. 

1. Clothes Take Longer to Dry 

Is your dryer taking multiple cycles to dry clothes? You got a big red flag. Lint buildup in the vent can cause poor airflow, so your dryer works harder.

2. Clothes Smell Musty 

Do your clothes smell funky after coming out of the dryer? It’s likely because of excess moisture trapped in the vent. If they feel dry but start smelling musty later, a clogged vent is likely the cause. 

3. Burning Smells 

If your dryer smells like it’s burning, it’s time to stop and check the vent. Excess lint can catch fire when it gets too hot. Find out what an electrical fire smells like here. 

4. Excessive Lint 

Your dryer vent is likely clogged if you notice lint everywhere—on your clothes, in the drum, or all over the house.

5. Laundry Room Feels Hotter Than Usual

If your laundry room is unusually warm when the dryer’s running, it’s likely because the hot air can’t escape through the vent. Blocked vents cause the air to spill back into the room.

6. Blocked Vent Hood 

Your vent is clogged if you see lint or debris around the hood. Even if you don’t see visible signs of blockage, a buildup of lint inside can still cause trouble. 

7. It’s Been a Year Since the Last Cleaning 

Clean your dryer vent at least once a year. If you haven’t done it in a while, it’s time to get it done. Regular cleaning helps prevent dangerous lint buildup and keeps your dryer in top shape.

How to Clean a Dryer Vent

Failure to clean (34%) is the leading cause of dryer fires in residential buildings. Cleaning your dryer vent can save you from dangerous fires. Here's how to do it:

1. Get Your Supplies

First, get everything you need: a vacuum with a hose attachment, a dryer duct cleaning kit (or a clean toilet brush if it's not too clogged), electrical tape, a broom, and a respirator mask.

2. Unplug the Dryer

Next, unplug the dryer from the power source. If it's a gas dryer, turn off the gas valve. Pull the dryer out from the wall to give you enough space to work.

3. Disconnect the Vent Duct

Then, disconnect the vent duct from the back of the dryer. You might need to cut a zip tie or unscrew some clamps. Make sure it’s completely separated before moving to the next step.

4. Vacuum the Duct

Use your vacuum to clean out the vent duct. Stick the hose inside the duct and suck up as much lint as you can. Doing this helps clear the path before you go deeper.

5. Use the Dryer Vent Cleaning Kit

Grab the dryer vent cleaning kit if the vent is still clogged. The kit comes with long flexible rods and a rotating brush. Attach the rods and tape them securely. Then, use a power drill to rotate the brush inside the duct and remove any remaining lint. Move the rods back and forth to get everything out.

6. Clean Up

Once the inside is clean, vacuum the lint and any mess around the area. If you see lint residue, wipe it down with a damp cloth and dish soap. Then, reconnect the duct to the dryer and the vent. 

7. Clean the Exterior Vent

Go outside and check the exterior vent. Remove the cover and vacuum or brush any lint. If you can’t reach it or it’s too high up, consider hiring a professional. Put the cover back in place once it’s clean.

How Often Should a Dryer Vent Be Cleaned Out?

How often you clean your dryer vent depends on how much you use it and a few other factors. Generally, you should clean it at least once a year. However, if you do a lot of laundry or have a long vent, you might need to clean it every six to nine months. For smaller households or less frequent use, you might be able to wait for two to three years.

Factors like how many loads you do a week, whether you have pets, and the length of your vent system affect how often cleaning is needed. If your dryer vent has many bends or the exhaust outlet is in a tricky spot, you might need to clean it more often. Some manufacturers also require yearly cleaning to keep the warranty intact.

How Much Should It Cost to Clean Out a Dryer Vent?

Dryer vent cleaning costs $150 on average. The price can vary between $100 and $200, depending on your location and how your dryer is set up. It's a relatively affordable service to keep your dryer in good shape and prevent any safety issues. While the cost can vary, it's a great investment that ensures your dryer runs smoothly and efficiently.

Can I Clean My Dryer Vent Myself?

Yes, you can clean your dryer vent yourself, but there are some things to keep in mind. For one, experts recommend calling a pro if you have a gas dryer. DIY cleaning works for most electric dryers, though. You can even use a toilet brush to remove lint and other debris.

That said, cleaning the vent yourself isn't always easy. For example, cleaning your dryer is harder if it’s in the basement or has complex ductwork. In these cases, it’s better to hire a pro. Plus, some areas have specific rules for dryer vent setups, so that’s something to consider.

Who Do You Call to Clean Your Dryer Vent Out?

You call a professional cleaner to clean your dryer vent out. These experts have the right tools and know-how to get your vent clean and make sure it’s safe. You can also contact technicians or companies that specialize in duct cleaning. Make sure the service you choose has experience with dryer vents. Pick someone reliable to avoid risks like fires or damage. Always check reviews before hiring, too. 

Conclusion

A clogged vent can lead to higher energy bills, longer drying times, and house fires. Regular maintenance, whether DIY or professional, reduces fire risks. Remember, a little effort goes a long way in keeping your home safe.

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