How Often To Clean A Dryer Vent Before Lint Becomes A Fire Hazard

Key Takeaways

• Experts recommend cleaning your dryer vent at least once a year, or more often if you have pets, use the dryer frequently, or have a long vent run.

• A clogged dryer vent isn't just inconvenient—it's a fire hazard, and cleaning it regularly can also extend your dryer's life.

• If your clothes are still damp after drying or you see a blinking airflow signal, it likely means your dryer vent needs cleaning.

Recently, I noticed that most of what should have been fresh laundry coming out of my dryer was slightly damp, even after a complete dryer cycle. At first, I figured that I had stuffed too many clothes in the wash and dry cycle , or I thought it was a possibility that my washing machine wasn't spinning or emptying correctly, leading to wetter clothes. But after my dryer airflow signal began blinking, I realized that the washing machine was not the culprit of the damp laundry, nor had the load been too large. The airflow signal most likely meant that the dryer vent required a cleaning, or worse, that there could be a clog in the vent or the dryer itself. 

Although I know regular dryer vent cleanings are necessary, I was unsure exactly why it needed to done or how often the maintenance should be completed. Even though I frequently write about home maintenance tasks and tips, full disclosure here, I could not remember the last time the vent had undergone a thorough cleaning. It was time to call a professional for insight. So I did, and here's what you need to know about this home maintenance task. Even though this task might be at the bottom of your home maintenance list (or even missed, like it was on mine!), it should be at the top of your routine maintenance list. 

How Often To Clean Your Dryer Vent

Cleaning the dryer vent is one routine home maintenance task that should be completed at least once a year. "The National Fire Protection Association recommends cleaning your dryer vent once a year to prevent home fires," says says Austin Kirby , owner of Kirby Dryer Vent Cleaning , based in Birmingham, Alabama. He explains that some families might even consider cleaning it more than once a year. "More frequent use of the dryer and multiple pets can affect the vent fillup time since there's an increase in lint, pet dander, and hair," he says.

Additionally, if you have a longer-than-normal vent, then this can also cause an increase in lint buildup. So, the timing of lint buildup can depend on your vent. "A normal vent is 15-25 feet, but an abnormally long vent is 35 feet or more, which is actually out of code. Unfortunately, some older homes have longer vents, which causes faster buildup over a shorter amount of time," he explains. 

How To Know When To Clean Your Dryer Vent 

If you notice wetter than normal clothing after a normal dryer cycle, or your dryer signals that airflow is an issue, it's time to consider a proper cleaning. "Most people, when they call us, will say, 'My clothes are taking forever to dry, I'm running extra drying cycles, or an airflow sensor has popped up on the dryer,' " says Kirby. If you can't remember the last time you had this home maintenance task completed or you're noticing a buildup of lint in the dryer or around the outside vent, it's time to call a professional dryer vent cleaning service. 

Why It's Important 

Routinely cleaning your dryer vent protects your home from potential risks. "The most important reason to complete this maintenance is to prevent a home fire," explains Kirby. Lint is highly flammable, and a lint buildup in the dryer vent can lead to a buildup in the dryer itself. "Essentially, when the working components of the dryer become coated with lint and overheat, it can reach an ignition point, causing a spark, which can lead to a fire," says Kirby. It's a domino effect of lint buildup, and keeping the lint cleared from the dryer vent duct work is essential for keeping the dryer clear of lint buildup.  Additionally, this maintenance task can prolong the life of your dryer. 

Can You Clean Your Dryer Vent Yourself? 

While you can attempt a DIY dryer vent cleaning , it might be easier to call a professional if the vent is severely clogged, there is an extreme lack of airflow, or if it has been a while since the last cleaning. "Most dryer vent cleaning professionals have advanced equipment that can fully sweep and clear the inside of the vent itself without damaging it," Kirby explains.

Calling a professional is the safest bet if you're unsure how to precisely clear the vent and don't have the correct equipment. "We use a professional drill brush system and an advanced air compressor system for cleanings, and improper equipment can be detrimental to the vent itself by clogging the vent more and even potentially cause a greater risk of fire," he says. He suggests calling a reputable company with an inspection camera and professional equipment.

Read the original article on Southern Living