When choosing a company to clean your dryer and exhaust vent, ensure the technicians are properly trained and certified. They should also conduct an airflow test after cleaning to confirm that your dryer exhaust system is operating within all recommended guidelines and safety standards.
Do you know where your dryer vent is located? If we took a poll, a lot of people would probably say it’s the lint trap that they clean out after every load of laundry. Others might say it’s the hose that connects the dryer to wall. In actuality, your dryer vent system includes the hose that runs from your dryer, through the wall(s) and to the vent hood that’s located on the exterior of your home. This is just one misconception people have when it comes to dryer vents.

 

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Dryer Vent Cleaning Process

  1. Initial Inspection

    • Inspect the dryer vent system, including the dryer itself, vent hose, and external vent outlet.

    • Check for blockages, lint buildup, and any damage or kinks in the vent pipe.

  2. Unplug and Disconnect Dryer

    • Safely unplug the dryer from the power source (or turn off the gas if it’s a gas dryer).

    • Disconnect the dryer vent hose from the back of the dryer.

  3. Remove and Clean Vent Hose

    • Detach the vent hose completely.

    • Clean the inside of the hose with brushes or vacuum tools to remove lint and debris.

  4. Clean Dryer Ducts and Vent Pipes

    • Using specialized brushes, air compressors, or vacuum systems, clean inside the ductwork from the dryer to the exterior vent.

    • Remove lint, dust, and blockages that reduce airflow and can pose fire hazards.

  5. Clean Exterior Vent

    • Access the external vent cover (usually on the outside wall of the home).

    • Remove lint buildup and ensure the vent flap or screen is functioning correctly and not obstructed.

  6. Reassemble and Test

    • Reconnect the vent hose securely to the dryer and the external vent.

    • Plug the dryer back in and run a test cycle to ensure proper airflow and venting.

    • Confirm that air is flowing freely out the external vent.

  7. Final Safety Check

    • Verify there are no leaks, loose connections, or damage.

    • Ensure all work areas are clean and safe.

Why it matters:
Regular dryer vent cleaning improves dryer efficiency, reduces drying times, prevents overheating, lowers fire risk, and saves energy.

What are the warning signs that dangerous lint build up is occurring in your dryer and venting system? Well, the symptoms may include:

  • Clothes take longer and longer to dry;
  • Clothes don’t fully dry;
  • Clothes are hotter than normal at the end of the drying cycle;
  • The outside of dryer gets very hot;
  • The outside exhaust vent flapper does not open very much indicating low exhaust velocity;
  • Laundry room becomes more humid than it is usually;
  • Burnt smell is evident in the laundry room.

Many fire departments and insurance companies do require that dryer vents be inspected and cleaned regularly.