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Clean dryer vents yearly to prevent fire hazard

By Paul F. P. Pogue, Ask Angi
Published: June 22, 2024, 5:55am

Dryer vent cleaning is an easily overlooked chore. But clogged-up vents can mean debris in your ducts and potential fire hazards. They also apply more wear and tear to your dryer, which can require an expensive repair or even replacement.

The National Fire Protection Association suggests cleaning dryer vents once yearly, whether you hire a pro or do it yourself. This may be required more often; it depends on how often you use your dryer and how many people live in your home. This is also why you should clean the lint filter diligently after every load. Not only does a lint-covered filter make your dryer work less efficiently, but it also pushes more debris into the vents.

Professional dryer vent cleaners bring an experienced eye and a knowledge of the most effective cleaning techniques. Particularly if you have a more extended dryer vent rather than one that vents directly outside through the wall, a professional can clean nooks and crannies that a DIYer might never even know existed.

While your pro is there, ask about ways you can improve your vents or slow down excessive lint. Their tips and tricks can be a major boost for you.

Some dryer vent cleanings take about half an hour, though some could take 2 or 3 hours. On average, hiring for dryer vent cleaning work costs about $140.

Birds, squirrels and other wildlife often attempt to create nests in dryer vents, especially ones that exit at the roof. At that point, debris from your clothes can quickly create a blockage as it catches on the nesting materials.

If you decide to go the DIY route, you can buy a brush kit to clean out your dryer vent.

Dryer vent cleaning kits typically cost $20 to $50 depending on the length of the rods and the quality of the kit. They typically attach to a hand-held power drill.

Signs you need to clean your dryer vents include:

  • Your dryer is taking longer than usual to fully dry your clothes. Dirty dryer vents make your system work harder and less efficiently.
  • Your dryer or laundry room is excessively hot. The system normally cycles out hot air, but blocked vents can prevent this and push the air into the room instead.
  • Musty smells.
  • Excess lint and debris in the lint filter.
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