Is dryer vent cleaning worth it?

Cleaning a dryer vent not only keeps your home safe, but keeps your dryer working properly and efficiently. A clogged clothes dryer may not just be a fire hazard, but can cause your energy bills to increase by requiring longer drying times for your laundry.

How often should a dryer vent be cleaned?

Every year, dryer duct fires cause $35 million in damages, hundreds of injuries and even deaths. If you ever notice a burning stench in your laundry room, this is another indication you should get cleaning sooner rather than later. Experts recommend you clean out your dryer ducts twice a year.

How long does it take to clean a vent?

In order to complete a proper air duct cleaning job, our expert technicians have found that it takes between three to five hours to properly clean your air duct system.

How are dryer vents professionally cleaned?

The first thing the professional will do is find and remove the outside dryer cap. They will then slide along, tube-like vacuum and snake brush the vent into the vent to dislodge and remove any debris. Sometimes, professionals will also conduct a diagnostic test after the dryer vent cleaning.

How do you snake a dryer vent?

How to Snake Clean Dryer Vents

1. Remove the dryer vent cover outside your home with a screwdriver, if applicable.
2. Measure the length of your duct with a tape measure.
3. Assemble the auger snake.
4. Attach the rod end into the drill chuck.
5. Insert the brush end of the snake into the dryer duct and turn the drill on.

How do you tell if your dryer vent is clogged?

Signs You Required Dryer Vent Cleaning

1. Clothes take longer than the normal 35-40 minutes to dry.
2. dryer vent hood flap does not open properly.
3. debris appears around the outdoors dryer vent opening.
4. you feel excessive heat in the room where the dryer is running.
5. lint and debris accumulate around the dryer’s lint filter.

What happens if you don’t clean your dryer vent?

This is important because if you don’t clean it out, it prevents the dryer from being able to exhaust hot air from the dryer, causing the dryer to overheat. Failure to clean the dryer’s lint trap is the leading cause of home laundry dryer fires.

What to expect when you have your ducts cleaned?

The technician uses specialized tools to dislodge dirt and debris in the system, followed by a thorough sanitizing process to effectively “wash away” the mess. They’ll then do an air filter change and a final testing of the system operation to ensure everything is back to working flawlessly.

Why does my outside dryer vent get clogged?

The dryer vent that leads from the appliance to the outdoors gets clogged with time and consequently produces a fire hazard. A clogged dryer vent can be caused by a buildup of lint in the ventilation system, or by items from your pockets like gum wrappers or coins.

How often do you need a dryer vent cleaning?

If you only dry four or five loads of laundry per week, an annual cleaning should suffice. However, if you have an exceptionally large family and dry as many as four or five loads a day, it may be a good idea to clean your dryer vent once every six months or, if you want to be extra cautious, once every three months.

How do I unclog a dryer vent?

Pull the dryer away from wall and disconnect the vent from the dryer outlet. Remove the clamp with your fingers. Alternatively, remove the vent hose by loosening a screw, using a screwdriver. Pull out any lint that has collected in the vent opening as well as in the dryer outlet.

How do you clean out a dryer duct?

To help reduce the chance of fire, use a wet/dry vacuum to clean out the dryer duct at least twice a year. Start by disconnecting the flexible duct from the rear of the dryer. Insert the vacuum wand into the duct as far as possible. Then disconnect the other end of the duct and repeat the process.

How to deep clean your dryer?

1) Unplug the Machine and Clean the Exterior To start a proper deep-cleaning of your dryer, you’ll first need to turn off the power source. 2) Clean the Lint Trap Lint sneaks past the screen in most dryers and collects in the trap, too. Ignoring it can lead to a fire hazard. 3) Clean the Dryer Drum Some dryers have fins (or bumps) inside the drum. 4) Deep Clean the Rest Clean the vent hose. Your dryer’s vent hose may be attached using a clamp or with screws. 5) Clean the Vent on Both Sides With the hose still off, reach inside the vent opening and remove any large chunks of lint you find. 6) Finish Up