Get matched with top dryer vent cleaners in Lake Mills, IA

Dryer vents need thorough cleanings one or two times a year, depending on family size and how often you run the machine. Failing to do so can put your home at an increased risk of fire. You should also schedule special cleanings if you notice that your dryer is taking longer to dry than normal, if you see lint building up on the outside flapper or in the vent itself, if you notice your dryer vent leaking water, or if your clothes have an odd odor on them after going through a drying cycle.

You should clear your dryer lint trap after every cycle, but a deeper clean is needing only one a year. Failure to clear your lint trap regularly results in lint building up over time, making it harder to clean and more expensive.

Professionals use specialized tools to clean dryer vents effectively. These tools typically include a combination of flexible rods and brushes designed to navigate the vent's twists and turns. The brushes dislodge and loosen lint and debris, while the rods help extend the reach through the vent. High-powered vacuums with HEPA filters are also used to capture and remove the dislodged lint and particles, ensuring a thorough cleaning. In some cases, professionals may employ video inspection cameras to assess the condition of the vent and confirm that it's entirely clean.

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.