How Often Should My Dryer Vent Be Cleaned?

While removing the lint from your dryer after every load is a rule of thumb in every laundry room, most are unsure about how often their dryer vent should be deep cleaned by a professional. It is recommended to schedule a thorough dryer vent cleaning at least once per year, however, certain factors make it necessary to have it cleaned more often including:

• Larger Households: The more family members you have, the more washing and drying you will need to do. This means more lint will accumulate in your dryer vent in a shorter amount of time. 
• Households With Pets: Pet hair can easily clog your dryer vent increasing the need for more frequent professional vent cleaning.
• Type Of Laundry: Towels, blankets, and other bulky items produce more lint causing the dryer vent to clog quicker. If you live in an area where your laundry consists of mostly bulky items such as thick sweaters and cardigans, you will want to have your vent cleaned out several times a year. 
• How Often You Buy New Clothing: Did you know that new clothing produces more lint than older clothes? If you enjoy shopping sprees and bagfuls of new clothes, you will want to schedule multiple vent cleanings throughout the year.  

Signs That You Need To Clean Your Dryer Vent

Before you hire a dryer vent cleaning service, it’s important to take into account how this appliance has been operating. If you notice any of the following, then your dryer vent is likely due for deep cleaning.

• It has been over a year since you had your dryer vent inspected.
• It is taking much longer than normal for your clothes to dry.
• There is a strange, burning smell coming from your laundry.
• The exterior of your dryer is very hot to the touch.
• Your laundry is also really hot to the touch.
• The vent hood flap won’t open properly.
• There is lint, fuzz, and other debris in the area behind the dryer or near the dryer hose.

Preventative Steps To Help Keep Your Dryer Vent Clean

Here are a few things you can do to help keep your dryer vent clean, but remember, preventative measures are not a substitute for regular cleanings. 

• Let your dryer cool down for at least 15 minutes between loads.
• Use liquid fabric softener instead of dryer sheets.
• Place the dryer closer to the external wall of your home. 
• Replace the flexible vent pipe with a solid vent pipe. 
• Routinely clear out the lint screen before and after a dryer cycle.

Affordable & Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning In Naperville, IL

Having your dryer vent professionally cleaned at least once or more per year can save energy, reduce wear and tear on your dryer, and prevent the risk of fire in your home. Air Care Services offers full-service air quality improvement and exceptional dryer vent cleaning throughout Chicago’s suburbs.

Our experienced team of experts will make sure to give your dryer vent a thorough inspection and deep cleaning so you can rest assured you are dealing with trained professionals who care about your indoor air quality and the safety of you and your family. Give Air Care Services a call to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists today.