It's best to get your dryer vents professionally cleaned at least once a year. This will help reduce the risk of a dryer fire, as there are around 16,000 dryer fires every year. Depending on the size of your house and how often you use the dryer, you may need to get your vents cleaned more often. If you live in a condo, you may be governed by an HOA that requires dryer vent cleaning every one to two years.
In this case, the cost of the cleaning will be included in your HOA rates. In a single-family home, the ventilation grill is usually only a few feet long and is vented directly outside the laundry room, making cleaning easier. Window Ninjas, a home care service based in Richmond, Virginia, recommends getting your dryer vent cleaned annually. If you have a large family or several pets, they suggest getting it done more frequently - approximately every 6 to 9 months.
Cleaning the dryer's ventilation grille regularly will help improve its efficiency and reduce energy consumption. When you hire a professional for dryer vent cleaning, they will normally clean the vent opening with special brushes. If you notice debris and lint accumulating, it's probably time to get your dryer's ventilation grille cleaned. Tim Smith from Chimney Sweeps of America explains everything you need to know to properly clean this appliance, including maintaining filters, drums, and vents.
Once you've finished cleaning, it's time to reconnect the dryer vent, put it back in place, and plug the dryer back in or turn on the gas safety valve. If your clothes consist mainly of bulky items, it is recommended that you get your dryer vent cleaned several times a year. In a condominium, the dryer is likely to come out through the roof and in older buildings several dryers can supply a single vent, increasing the likelihood of obstructions. To remove lint and other debris from the vent hole in the back of the dryer, use a vacuum or workshop vacuum.
Experts recommend cleaning the lint filter after each load and getting your dryer vent professionally cleaned at least once a year. Improper cleaning can cause damage that is expensive to repair so trust local Planet Duct professionals to get your dryer vents cleaned. Cleaning lint traps and drums isn't too difficult but make sure you do it regularly.
