Cleaning lint traps and clothes dryer vents should be a regular part of your maintenance routine. After each load, you should clean the lint traps yourself, as otherwise, you'll find lint left on your clean clothes. The dryer vents should be cleaned at least once a year, and more often if you have a large family who uses the dryer frequently. A clean exhaust duct prevents heat, moisture, and carbon monoxide from being trapped in your home.
When this happens, energy, natural resources, and time are wasted as the appliance works too hard and for too long. Moisture can also damage drywall, wallpaper, ceilings, and other building materials. When the dryer is running, check the dryer's outdoor exhaust vent to ensure that hot air escapes as it should. If you don't feel any air movement, it's likely that there is a buildup of lint obstructing the outlet. In this case, it's recommended to clean the ventilation ducts of the dryer.
Professionals can clean all the ducts at once, ensuring that not only the dryer but also the air ducts of the air conditioning are clean and safe to continue operating. Many homeowners learn that their dryers are ventilated in an attic, in tight spaces, or even in empty spaces on walls instead of outside. Not everyone knows how important it is for a professional to clean the dryer's ventilation grille. The dryer vent helps remove hot air and moisture from the house. Although DIY kits exist and you can follow the steps above to clean the dryer vents yourself between each professional cleaning, it's always best to hire a professional.
If you choose to use a kit to clean the ventilation grilles of your dryer yourself between each professional cleaning, make sure you choose the right kit for the material in your ducts. The dryer vent starts at the back of the clothes dryer and usually exits the house through the nearest exterior wall. Never use the dryer without the lint trap in place, as this will remove protection against lint build-up in dangerous areas such as the duct or inside of the dryer case. It's also a good idea to have a fire extinguisher in your laundry room to protect your dryer's ventilation. For reasons of convenience, safety, and meticulousness, it's best to hire a professional dryer vent cleaning company. They will be able to take all necessary safety measures when performing a cleaning service in an attic or crawl space area.
