But even with these preventative steps you should clean your dryer vents at least once every 12 months to remove the lint and debris and prevent clogs! If you don't want to do it yourself - hire a Dustless Duct professionals to take care of dryer vent cleaning.
While you can take the DIY approach to cleaning dryer vents, it should be paired with regularly scheduled professional cleanings. Dryer vents usually require professional cleaning to ensure optimal performance, safety, and cleanliness.
water collects within your vent system, leading to rusted ductwork and drywall damage. the dryer will require premature repair or replacement due to the inability to vent properly. accelerated lint buildup within the dryer itself, leading to a dramatically increased risk of fire.
On average, professional dryer vent cleaning costs range from $100 to $200. However, remember that this can vary based on the factors mentioned above. Obtaining quotes from reputable service providers in your area is advisable to get a more accurate estimate tailored to your specific circumstances.
The air that cycles through your dryer to dry your laundry also becomes laden with lint, and this is carried through the dryer vent and collects there. Over time, if you don't learn how to clean dryer vent from outside, this buildup becomes inefficient and, eventually, dangerous.
Using a leaf blower to clean your dryer vent is quick but may damage ducts and increase fire hazards. Safer DIY alternatives include using a dryer vent cleaning kit or a vacuum with a long hose attachment. Professional cleaning services ensure safety and efficiency by removing all lint and preventing fire risks.
Some dryer vent installations also have an external lint trap, which is also known as a secondary dryer lint trap or a 4″ In-Line Dryer Lint Trap.
How long does a dryer vent cleaning take? For a residential property, dryer vent cleaning will take about one hour. However, a commercial property could take longer, depending on the size and amount of dryer vents that need to be cleaned.
Dryer vents are clogged with lint frequently, causing the dryer to overheat and become a fire hazard. To clean your dryer like a pro, you'll need to use the air duct cleaning method, which involves the combination of a vacuum and a brush. Attach the vacuum to the exhaust vent on the outside of the home.
How often should you clean your dryer lint trap? Clean your lint trap after every load.
DO NOT terminate dryer vents in crawl spaces or attics. Dryer vents that terminate in crawl spaces or attics allow for moisture to deposit and encourage mold growth and health hazards.
Technicians will clean the dryer duct from the wall entrance to the cap utilizing some combination of rotating brushes, vacuums, compressed air and blowers. Additionally, the dryer hose connecting the dryer to the wall will be cleaned and technicians will advise if replacement is recommended.
If you have an electric leaf blower, you can bring the leaf blower inside and force air through your dryer vent and blow the lint outside. Once that is done, go back outside and do the same with the transition line. Check to make sure you got all of the lint out, reconnect everything and viola, you are all done.
Don't try to use your dryer without the lint filter because this may also cause a fire. Your dryer needs this so that it can work properly. This will ensure each dry cycle will be much less of a fire hazard and will dry your clothes faster and safer.
3. They help reduce lint. When you use high-quality dryer balls made from wool they will help reduce the amount of lint on your laundry items. This is because the balls help to keep your laundry items separate during the drying cycle which reduces friction and as a result creates less lint.
There are approximately 15,600 structure fires, 400 injuries and 15 deaths reported annually as a result of dryer fires. According to USFA, every year, clothes dryer fires account for over $100 million (USD) in property losses.
The more loads you run, the more lint that accumulates. That said, we typically recommend a professional dryer vent cleaning once or twice a year. If you do fewer loads of laundry, or if you're diligent in cleaning your lint trap after each load, you may be able to go longer without a cleaning.
Oftentimes the dirt gets stuck to the interior sides of the vent, so you need something that will catch it and pull it out. “For cleaning, I've found a Shop-Vac works much better than a regular vacuum, especially if you can access the outdoor vent,” Addie says.
Children MUST not operate a leaf blower. Do not operate while standing on a ladder, rooftop, tree, or other unstable surface. Use nozzle attachments to reach high places. Do not use a leaf blower if you are tired or sick, taking medication, or if you have used drugs or alcohol.
Generally speaking, the clothes dryer itself, as well as the vent should be cleaned every 1 to 3 years. The variables that affect frequency include: How much laundry – how many loads – you do a week.
It reduces wear and tear on the dryer
If the dryer vent is not cleaned regularly, then the dryer is forced to work twice as hard to dry your clothes. This excessive strain can wear down crucial parts of the dryer. Regular cleaning helps to improve dryer efficiency, thus reducing wear and tear.