Get matched with top dryer vent cleaners in Silver Bay, MN

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.

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.

It’s possible to remove too much humidity from the air, but it’s very unlikely. Dehumidifiers have moisture sensors and settings to control how they function, so they can pause when the air inside your home reaches a certain humidity level. This means that most modern dehumidifiers won’t dry out the air to the point where it’s uncomfortable. But older, more basic dehumidifiers that are left on too long could potentially dry out the air so much that your skin, hair, and sinuses start to feel dry.

Failing to open your flue can lead to serious health hazards if you start a fire because the smoke will back up into your home. Breathing fire smoke, even in relatively small quantities, is bad for human lungs, and smoke can also irritate your nasal passages and eyes. Furthermore, smoke can cause damage to your interior fixtures and furnishings, at the very least leaving an unpleasant smoky smell for a long time. In short: If your flue isn’t open (or you’re not sure if it is or not), don’t start a fire to find out!