Get matched with top dryer vent cleaners in Bruce, WI

There are a few things you can look out for that indicate it’s time to clean your dryer vent, including the following:

• It has been a year or more since the last professional cleaning.

• Your clothes are taking longer to dry than usual.

• Your clothes smell musty or burnt when they come out of the dryer.

• You see lint building up around the outside dryer vent cap.

• Your laundry room is unusually hot.

• Your dryer is unusually hot to the touch during operation.

• You notice a kink in or damage to the vent.

Excessive humidity in a room often manifests through visible signs like condensation on windows or walls, a musty or damp odor lingering in the air, peeling wallpaper or paint, and the presence of mold or mildew. Experiencing discomfort due to a consistently clammy or sticky feeling can also indicate high humidity levels.

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. 

It’s possible to clean your dryer vent yourself in most cases, but it’s usually best to leave this important task to a professional. If you make a mistake when reinstalling the vent, you could kink it, which makes it easier for a blockage to form. Instead, call in a professional annually to do a thorough cleaning and an inspection. They will make sure there are no kinks in the vent that could promote blockages in addition to cleaning it. If your vent runs through a wall, you’ll need help from a professional regardless.