Throwing a load of laundry into the dryer seems like a simple and mundane task. So, most homeowners don’t give much thought to their dryer vents, assuming they will do their job and expel the hot, moist air from the clothes.

But here’s a wake-up call that can’t be ignored: your dryer vent could be quietly accumulating lint and other debris, setting the stage for a dangerous fire.

With nearly 16,000 home fires caused by clothes dryers each year, the risk is real, and the consequences can be devastating. Let’s make sure our dryer isn’t just another statistic but a well-maintained appliance that serves your family safely for years to come! Below, our Lee Company home service experts will guide you through the importance of regular dryer vent cleaning for fire safety.

Understanding the Risks of Clogged Dryer Vents

First, let’s clarify why dryer fires are so common. As mentioned above, lint is a primary culprit in these incidents.

Every time you use your dryer, tiny fibers from your clothes break off and get trapped in the lint trap. While most of this debris gets caught there, some can escape into the dryer vent over time.

The dryer vent is a narrow, enclosed pathway that leads from your dryer to the outside of your home. If this passage becomes clogged with lint and other debris, it restricts airflow and can lead to heat buildup.

This is where the risk comes in – excess heat can ignite a fire. And since dryer vents are often hidden behind walls or in tight spaces, homeowners don’t usually notice until it’s too late.

According to data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), dryer fires make up 4% of all home fires, with 32% of those fires being attributed to not cleaning the dryer vent.

So, if you walk away from this blog with one piece of information, it should be this: regular dryer vent cleaning is crucial for preventing a fire in your home.

Other Benefits of Regular Dryer Vent Cleaning

Take it from the Lee Company team—a little preventative maintenance goes a long way toward keeping your home safe and efficient!

In addition to reducing the risk of fire, regular dryer vent cleaning also offers other benefits, such as:

Improved Energy Efficiency

Have you ever run your dryer twice to fully dry a load of laundry? When your dryer vent is clogged, it takes longer for clothes to dry, resulting in higher energy bills. With clothes dryers eating up 5.8% of residential electricity, this can significantly impact your energy usage. By keeping your vents clean and clear, you can save both time and money.

Longer Appliance Lifespan

Appliances aren’t cheap investments, so taking care of them is essential so they last as long as possible. A well-maintained dryer can last 10-13 years, but a poorly maintained one could fail much sooner.

Overheating due to a clogged dryer vent causes components to wear out quickly, leading to costly repairs or replacement. Regular dryer vent cleaning can help extend the life of your appliance and save you money in the long run.

Improved Indoor Air Quality

Don’t we all want to breathe clean, fresh air inside our homes? Believe it or not, a clogged dryer vent can actually impact the quality of the air we breathe. The lint and debris that build up in vents can be released into the air, causing respiratory issues for those living in the home.

This can exacerbate symptoms for individuals with allergies or asthma, causing coughing and wheezing, especially after using the dryer, which, for 80% of households, is anywhere from 2 to 9 times a week. Regular dryer vent cleaning means fewer pollutants and debris in the air, leading to cleaner and healthier indoor air quality.

Avoid Pest Infestations

Mice, birds, and other pests are attracted to the warm, cozy environment that a clogged dryer vent provides. Once they enter your home through the vents, they can cause all sorts of problems.

They can clog the vent with nests and debris, creating a fire hazard. They can also gain access to other parts of your home, chewing on wires or leaving behind droppings and debris that worsen the air quality in your home.

Regular dryer vent cleaning can help prevent these unwanted guests from making themselves home in your dryer vent.

Signs You Have a Clogged Dryer Vent

If you can’t easily see or access your dryer vent, how can you tell when it needs to be cleaned? There are several warning signs of a clogged dryer vent that you can look out for:

• Clothes take longer to dry
• The dryer exterior feels extremely hot
• Burning smell when using the dryer
• Increase in energy bills without explanation
• Musty smells or visible mold in the laundry room
• Lint buildup around the dryer vent opening
• The dryer shuts off prematurely during a cycle

All of these indicate that your dryer vent is clogged and needs cleaning.

How Often to Clean a Dryer Vent

When homeowners ask us how often they should clean their dryer vents, our answer is usually once per year, depending on factors like the size of their household, how frequently they do laundry, and the type of dryer they have. But if you notice any signs above that you have a clogged dryer vent, it’s essential to address the issue immediately.

Step-by-Step Instructions for DIY Dryer Vent Cleaning

Now that we’ve discussed the risks and benefits of regular dryer vent cleaning, let’s discuss how to prevent a fire in your home.

The instructions for DIY dryer vent cleaning below are simple and can be done with household tools.

Gather Your Tools

• Screwdriver
• Dryer vent cleaning brush with extendable handle
• Vacuum cleaner with hose attachment
• Personal protective equipment (gloves, dust mask, safety goggles)

Step 1: Safety First.

Before you begin, make sure your dryer is unplugged and turned off from the electrical source. It’s also a good idea to wear protective gear like gloves, goggles, and a mask to avoid breathing in any debris or dust.

Step 2: Access the Vent.

Slide your dryer away from the wall and locate the vent on the back of it. Use your screwdriver to loosen any clamps or screws holding the vent in place.

Step 3: Locate the Outside Vent.

Locate where your dryer’s vent exits to the outdoors. This might be on the side of your house or the roof. Make sure no obstructions, such as bushes or debris, block the opening.

Step 4: Clean the Exterior Vent Opening.

With your extendable brush, reach into the exterior vent opening and gently remove any buildup of lint or debris. You can also use a vacuum hose to suck out any remaining debris.

Step 5: Clean the Interior Vent.

Return to your laundry room and use the extendable brush to clean inside the vent opening. Push the brush back and forth, removing as much lint and debris as possible. You can also use your vacuum hose to suck out any remaining buildup.

Step 6: Reattach the Vent.

Once both the interior and exterior vent openings are clear, reconnect everything.

Step 7: Run a Test Cycle.

Do a quick test run. Watch for the warning signs described above, such as the dryer getting hotter than usual or shutting off prematurely. If everything looks and sounds normal, you’ve successfully cleaned your dryer vent!

Other Preventative Measures

Aside from an annual dryer vent cleaning, there are other steps you can take to prevent lint and debris buildup in your dryer vent and avoid a potential fire:

• Regular Inspection and Maintenance: Beyond cleaning the vent, periodically inspect your dryer for signs of wear and tear. Check for loose or damaged parts that could impair its performance or safety.
• Mind the Load Size: It’s tempting to stuff the dryer to save time, but overloading can strain the appliance and lead to uneven drying. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for load size to ensure optimal airflow and drying efficiency.
• Clean the Trap: Be sure to clean your lint trap after every load. This helps with drying time, energy efficiency, and overall fire prevention.
• Clean Around, Under, and Behind: Take a few minutes every month to clean around and behind your dryer and under the appliance. This helps prevent lint buildup and other debris from getting trapped in hard-to-reach areas.
• Check Venting Material: Make sure your dryer vent is made of rigid metal or flexible aluminum. Plastic or foil vents can trap lint and are more susceptible to kinks and damage, increasing the fire risk.
• Quality of Dryer Sheets and Fabric Softeners: Be mindful of your dryer sheets and fabric softeners. Some products can leave a residue that may contribute to lint buildup or affect sensor functionality in newer dryers.
• Inspect the Vent Opening: Check the exterior vent opening to ensure it’s always clean and clear of obstructions. Consider installing a dryer vent cover or screen to prevent pests from entering from the outside.
• Education and Awareness: Educate all household members about dryer safety. Simple habits, like not starting the dryer before leaving the house or going to bed, can help reduce fire risk.

Fire Safety with Dryers

In addition to regular cleaning and maintenance, homeowners should have a fire safety plan in place.

We recommend adding smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your laundry room to provide an extra layer of protection. These should be tested regularly and have their batteries replaced at least once a year.

A fire extinguisher should also be easily accessible in your laundry room. Please make sure everyone in the household knows how and when to use it. Fire extinguishers last 10-12 years, so check the expiration date and replace it if needed.

It’s also a good idea to have a fire escape plan, regardless of how well-maintained your appliances are. Make sure everyone in the household knows what to do and where to go in a fire emergency.

Pets, children, and elderly family members may need additional assistance, so account for that in your plan.

Make Home Maintenance a Breeze with Lee Company

So you’ve tackled your dryer vent (high five for that!), but what about the rest of your house? There’s a lot to keep up with, and that’s where Lee Company shines.

Since 1944, we’ve been helping homeowners across Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, and Alabama with home maintenance and repair needs. Our Home Maintenance Plan covers everything from electrical safety to HVAC tune-ups and plumbing check-ups.

It’s our mission to keep your space safe, efficient, and worry-free. So why juggle it all on your own when you have a team ready to lend a hand? Contact Lee Company today to make home maintenance a breeze!