"Very punctual and professional. Got the job done in no time flat with good results. No more bugs and I couldn't believe how much stuff he got out of our dryer ducts!"
Dryer Vent Cleaning questions, answered by experts
Depending on how much you use it, your dryer should be disinfected about every six to 12 months, especially if you see frequent buildup of lint or evidence of stains from fabric bleeding or ink.
Other signs you should sanitize your dryer more often are overheating, improper drying, excessive humidity, or if you notice a strange odor when it’s running.
If you're dealing with an odor in your dryer that transfers onto your clothes and linens, here's what you can do: start by cleaning the lint trap and drum with warm soapy water. Then wipe down the interior using a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar to eliminate any lingering odors.
To get rid of odors you can try this method: take a cloth soaked in vinegar and put it inside the dryer. Run the dryer on a heat setting for 15 minutes. Afterward, make sure to dry the drum by running it with some towels. This technique helps eliminate any smells and leaves your dryer smelling nice and fresh.
If the odors remain, you may need to sanitize your dryer or call in a professional house cleaner to handle the job.
If your dryer is wet inside, it could be due to a poorly designed ventilation system. This happens more frequently during the hotter months as heat is trapped inside the vent duct. Broken or failing seams and seals on the vent pipe can also allow warm air to enter. If changing the ventilation is not an option, consider insulating your vent pipes to reduce moisture capturing.
You will know if your dryer is overheating by placing your hand on top to feel its temperature. If it’s hot to the touch, that’s a clear sign the dryer is overheated. Other signs include your laundry coming out hotter than usual, a burnt smell when it’s running, or burn marks on your laundry.
While a professional can always help, there are some common plumbing culprits you can check yourself to see if you can find the sewer gas smell. For example, you should check your water traps, sometimes called P-traps and S-traps, which are located under sink, shower, and laundry drains. The wax ring beneath the base of your toilet, which creates a watertight seal with the plumbing, could also have gone bad.
The Ashley, ND homeowners’ guide to dryer vent cleaning services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
A dryer vent cleaning cost averages about $140 when done by a professional. Read our tips to understand the key cost factors involved in dryer vent cleaning.
When your dryer is leaving wet or overly hot clothing, it might be time to get your dryer vents cleaned by a professional. Learn more about this and other signs you need a dryer vent cleaning, like a hot laundry room or broken vent hood.
Knowing what questions to ask a dryer cleaning pro can help prepare you for the job. Check out these dryer vent questions before cleaning your dryer vents.
You might not think much of lint, but it’s actually a major fire hazard. Running your own dryer and dryer vent inspection can help you spot dangerous buildup.