Why clogged dryer vents are dangerous
Fire safety organizations consistently list failure to clean the dryer as a leading cause of dryer fires. When lint narrows the vent, hot air can’t escape, the dryer runs hotter and longer, and the lint inside the pipe can ignite.
Warning signs of a clogged vent
Watch for these signs:
- Clothes take more than one cycle to dry
- The dryer or laundry room gets unusually hot
- A burning smell when the dryer runs
- The outside vent flap barely opens when the dryer is on
- Lint around the outside vent or behind the dryer
How often should you clean it?
For most households, once a year is a good rule. Large families, long vent runs, or vents that exit through the roof may need cleaning more often. Clean the lint trap after every load.
How we clean dryer vents
We disconnect the dryer, run a rotary brush through the full length of the vent, vacuum out the loosened lint, and check that the outside flap opens and closes properly. See the full details on our dryer vent cleaning page.
Dryer vent cleaning is an add-on to any duct cleaning — $19 in Ontario, $30 in other areas. Book online to add it to your visit.