Get matched with top dryer vent cleaners in Grantsville, MD

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.

At a minimum, you should clean your dryer vent at least once a year. You may need to clean the dryer vent more often, such as every six months, if your dryer sees frequent or daily use. If you have young children or pets, you may need to clean the vent quarterly. 

There are a few signs that tell you it's time to clean your vent. If your clothes are very hot when they come out of the dryer or it's taking longer than usual for clothes to dry, the vents need cleaning.

The ideal time for dryer vent cleaning is typically during the spring or fall. These seasons offer moderate weather conditions, making it easier to access the exterior vent and work on the dryer without the extreme heat of summer or cold of winter. However, the timing can also depend on your usage patterns. If you use your dryer heavily year-round, consider scheduling cleanings more frequently, perhaps every six months, to prevent lint buildup and reduce fire risks. Ultimately, there is no wrong time of year to prioritize safety.

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.