Get matched with top dryer vent cleaners in Salome, AZ

No, air ducts and dryer vents are not the same. The dryer vent is connected to a specific appliance, the dryer, and is meant to direct the hot, moist air from the washed clothes to the outside of the home. Air ducts move air from the HVAC system around the home. It’s essential to schedule cleanings for the dryer vent and the air ducts.

Your dryer vent hose should be as straight as you can possibly get it. A straight vent means less lint buildup in the hose. If the hose has a lot of bends and turns, it’s much easier and much more likely for lint to get stuck along the line, meaning you’ll have to clean it out a lot more often to decrease the risk of a total blockage or a fire.

The frequency of cleaning your dryer depends on how often you use it. For regular households, it is recommended to clean the lint trap after each load of laundry. Additionally, thorough cleaning of the dryer—lint trap, drum, and exterior—should be done every few months. It's important to pay attention to the vent system as well. Ideally, it should be cleaned at least once a year, or six months if your dryer takes care of huge loads often, or more frequently if you notice reduced drying efficiency.

Conducting quick dryer maintenance can extend its lifespan. Help your dryer stay in mint condition by cleaning the lint trap before and after every cycle. This keeps leftover lint from accumulating in your dryer vent, which is one of the leading causes of household fires, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

You can also wipe down the lint screen with dish soap every few months to keep it extra clean. A basic wipedown of the drum every few months and a deep clean of the exhaust vent once a year are beneficial, too.