Get matched with top dryer vent cleaners in Mill Valley, CA

Call 911 immediately. If you have a fire extinguisher or fire blanket near the laundry room, you can attempt to extinguish the fire, but don’t open or touch the dryer. If you can’t put the fire out, evacuate yourself, your family, and your pets from the house, closing the laundry room door behind you. Turn off the electricity to your home via the outside fuse box, then wait for the fire department. After a dryer fire, have your home’s electrical system inspected to make sure there isn’t any damage.

There are several common warning signs that indicate your dryer vent may be clogged. If your clothes are taking longer than usual to dry, the vent could be the culprit. Other signs include the exterior of the dryer becoming very hot during operation, or the dryer shutting itself off due to overheating. You might also notice an excess of lint left inside the dryer or in the lint trap after a cycle, see lint building up around the exterior vent opening, or detect unusual or burning odors. A clogged dryer vent is a serious fire hazard, so if you notice any of these signs, you should stop using the dryer and have the vent cleaned immediately.

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. 

Using less toilet paper is the easiest way to prevent future clogs. Also, avoid flushing sanitary products, thick paper towels, or hair down the toilet. If you’ve been using a brick in the tank to reduce the water used to flush the toilet, take it out immediately. Bricks will eventually fall apart and clog your toilet drain. Keeping your toilet lid closed also helps avoid future clogs.