Clean Sweeps of Michigan's Blog

Reasons To Get Your Dryer Vents Cleaned

Most homeowners understand the basics of dryer care, such as cleaning out the lint trap after use. While this is an important part of preventing dryer fires, there is one space it can be difficult to reach lint buildup – in the dryer vents.

Why do dryer vents need to be cleaned?

The same lint that accumulates in the lint trap can begin building up in the dryer vents over time. If not removed, this lint can begin to clog dryer vents, impact dryer performance, and significantly increase the risk of a dryer fire.

Lint and other debris in the dryer vents can cause narrowing that constricts air flow; as little as half an inch of accumulation in a four-inch dryer vent can reduce airflow by up to 50%. To compensate for the reduced airflow, the dryer produces hotter and hotter air. This superheated air can ignite the highly flammable lint, causing a dryer fire that can quickly spread beyond the laundry room and to the rest of your home.

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 15,000 house fires are caused by clogged dryer vents in the United States each year. These fires endanger lives and cause millions of dollars in damage to homes and property – and can often be prevented.

Reasons to have your dryer vents cleaned

Below are four of the many reasons to have your dryer vents cleaned.

1. Reduce the risk of fire
Professional dryer vent cleaning removes lint and debris from the entire vent system – not just from the lint trap. This significantly reduces the risk of an accidental dryer fire.

2. Preventative dryer maintenance
When dryer vents are clogged, additional wear and tear are placed on the appliance. As the dryer works harder to compensate for clogged vents, there is a higher chance of a breakdown occurring. The cost of repairs – or an entirely new dryer – is often more than the cost of a dryer vent cleaning.

3. Improved performance
Clogs can prevent humid air from escaping; this means that clothes often need more than one cycle to dry completely. Clean vents can help improve dryer performance by shortening dryer times and helping clothes dry faster. Likewise, having dryer vents cleaned can help prevent the damp, musty smells that can permeate the dryer – and clothes – when vents are clogged.

4. Lower energy bills
A dryer with clogged vents has to work harder in order to dry clothes; this uses more energy and can lead to increased energy bills. Electricity bills can also go up when running additional cycles is needed in order to get clothes totally dry. Having dryer vents cleaned can help the dryer operate more efficiently and lower energy bills.

Schedule your dryer vent cleaning today!

If your dryer is running sluggishly, don’t head to the store to pick out a new dryer. Instead, consider having your dryer vents cleaned to improve dryer efficiency – and significantly reduce your risk of a dryer fire. For more information about dryer vent cleaning or to schedule your next appointment, contact Clean Sweeps of Michigan today!

You Should Really Consider Getting Your Dryer Vent Cleaned!

The dryer is one of the most used – yet least serviced – appliances in our homes. While we rely on dryers to help us with our laundry year after year, very few homeowners do much to ensure they continue to run safely and efficiently. One of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your dryer working is by having the dryer vents cleaned.

The importance of dryer vent cleaning

Many homeowners assume that operating the dryer safely is as simple as emptying the lint trap after each load. However, the same lint that accumulates in the trap can accumulate in the dryer vent. If left unremoved, clogged vents can decrease dryer performance and significantly increase the risk of an accidental dryer fire.

Lint and other debris build up in the dryer vent over time – even if you clean the dryer vent after every load. This narrows the vent and constricts air flow to the dryer; this causes the dryer to work harder, producing hotter and hotter air. As little as half an inch of lint accumulation in a four-inch dryer vent can reduce airflow by as much as 50%. This superheated air can cause the extremely flammable lint to ignite, causing a dryer vent fire that can quickly spread to the rest of your home.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that there are more than 15,000 house fires caused by clogged dryer vents each year. In addition to endangering lives, these fires cause tens of millions of dollars worth of damage to homes and personal property.

How clogged vents affect dryer performance

In addition to the significant risk of accidental fire clogged vents can cause, they can also affect dryer performance. While dryer vents should be cleaned regularly, the following signs may indicate that your vents are becoming clogged.

• Clothes take longer than one full cycle to dry completely
• More and more lint is accumulating in the lint trap after regular loads
• The laundry room or area surrounding the dryer is noticeably warmer when in use
• The dryer itself or the clothes in it are too hot to touch
• Clothes or the inside of the dryer have a strong, musty odor
• Lint or debris is visible around exterior vents

Professional dryer vent cleaning

Luckily, the risk of accidental dryer fire can be significantly reduced by having dryer vents regularly cleaned by a trained professional. Using special brushes, vacuums, and other equipment, a professional cleaning can remove dirt, lint, and other debris from the walls of the vent. Likewise, the condition of the vents, such as any kinks or holes, can be assessed.

At Clean Sweeps of Michigan, we don’t blow the lint on your lawn, hand you a bill, and leave. Our highly trained dryer technicians will clean and inspect your dryer vents, helping your dryer run more efficiently and reduce your risk of dryer fire. For more information on dryer vent cleaning or to schedule your next appointment, contact us today!