Get matched with top dryer vent cleaners in Garnavillo, IA

The length of an allowable dryer vent varies based on the local building codes and regulations. Typically, the maximum range is 25 to 35 feet. However, if the vent must have any 90-degree turns, you may see a reduction of five feet from the maximum. Some municipalities may have no specific maximum allowable length as part of the code. Typically, installers will run the vent over the shortest possible distance for safety. The dryer vent cleaning cost is less with a shorter vent length as well. 

Using a leaf blower to clean your dryer vent isn't a good idea. Theoretically, the leaf blower should push the lint and debris toward the exterior vent opening, helping it exit. That's usually not what happens, though. 

Instead, the lint can get stuck further in the vent, creating a blockage and making the problem worse. You need a scrubbing tool, such as the rotating brush head on a dryer cleaning kit, to push the lint out of the ductwork.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, dryers and washing machines cause over 15,000 fires a year, with dryers causing about 92 percent of those fires. Because dryer fires are more common than you might think, it’s important to clear the lint trap regularly and have annual dryer vent cleanings.

If you happen to disassemble your dryer vent and feel the inside of the duct immediately after drying a load of laundry, it will likely feel damp and warm. That’s normal, as the vent has just finished moving the humidity and moisture from your laundry to the exterior of your property. However, if your dryer vent has water droplets in it at any time, it’s a sign that there’s trouble with the machine’s ventilation. You should call in a professional right away to get the issue fixed.