Who Cleans Dryer Vents and How to Do It Right

Why Cleaning Your Dryer Vent Is So Important

You’ve probably noticed a caution label on the lint trap of your dryer that says you need to clean the screen after every use. But how often do you actually do it and who cleans dryer vents? Most people let a couple of loads go through the dryer before they actually clean the lint trap.

This might seem like a harmless practice, but it actually can be a danger. And if you haven’t cleaned your dryer vent, that can cause even more issues. But who cleans dryer vents? And how often do you need to do it?

As it turns out, many people have a relaxed approach to cleaning their lint traps, and most aren't even aware that they need to clean the dryer vent. However, this can be a dangerous practice that can jeopardize your appliance and the safety of those living in your home.

Luckily, cleaning dryer vents is a relatively straightforward task. Plus, there are professionals that can assist if you need it. Here’s everything you need to know about cleaning dryer vents, who cleans dryer vents and how to clean them properly.

Why You Should Clean Your Dryer Vents

During a drying cycle, dryer vents capture any lint or debris your clothing sheds. Over time, lint can get trapped in your dryer vent, making your dryer less efficient. In more extreme cases, especially if you’re unsure who cleans dryer vents in your home, it can lead to your dryer overheating to dangerous temperatures.

Both of these instances can potentially harm you and your fellow housemates or family members. And it's an overlooked hazard many people aren't aware of. No matter who cleans dryer vents in your home, they need to be vacuumed out regularly to ensure your dryer works properly and isn’t in danger of causing a fire.

Luckily, you can clean your dryer vent or hire someone to clean it for you.

How To Clean Your Dryer Vent

Once you find someone who cleans dryer vents, make sure they go through the process of preparing your dryer for a thorough cleaning. Unfortunately, cleaning out your lint trap is not enough. To properly clean your dryer vent, you will need a vacuum with a hose attachment, a screwdriver, a broom and some muscle to move the dryer around.

First, locate the vent that connects your dryer to the wall and disconnect it from your machine. Next, unplug the dryer to make sure there is no power going to the appliance. Then, unscrew and remove the dryer duct on the back of the machine, so you can properly clean the vent.

Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any lint from the hole in the back of the dryer. You’ll also want to vacuum the front of the dryer where the lint trap is located to catch any lint stuck deep in the trap. Once you’ve completed this, you can screw the dryer duct back on the dryer and replace the lint trap.

Lastly, take the time to clean out the dryer vent and connecting hose of any dust, debris or lint. Use a brush and a powerful vacuum cleaner to do this. Once you've swept up any remaining dust or lint and plugged your dryer back in, your machine will be ready for use.

I Need Help - Who Cleans Dryer Vents?

Dryers can be very heavy and awkward to move. They can be difficult to maneuver, especially if you've stacked them on top of a washer or if you tucked them away in a tight corner or closet. If you’re not confident in moving them by yourself, or if you're unsure what the dryer vent and duct look like, it’s best to hire a professional who cleans dryer vents.

A professional duct and vent cleaner has experience locating and cleaning any vents or ducts associated with your dryer. They have years of experience working with various machines, making it easier for them to know how to clean your dryer. Plus, they’re more likely to catch any areas that may need more attention and can handle the dirty work for you. 

If you need someone who cleans dryer vents, Crystal Clean Vents offers dryer vent cleaning services. We’d be more than happy to help you with cleaning out your dryer vent.

How Often To Clean Your Dryer Vents

People who clean dryer vents on a regular basis are much more likely to see the best performance from their dryers. Clean dryer vents offer better energy usage, evenly distributed heat and overall efficiency. Generally, you should clean your dryer vents at least two times a year, but you may need to do this more if you do a lot of laundry in your home.

If you’re someone who cleans dryer vents consistently, it’s important to make sure you’re doing it correctly. Take your time to clean the vent and reattach everything properly so you don't accidentally place something in the wrong spot or forget to tighten an important screw.

Final Thoughts

While cleaning out your dryer vent may seem like a pain and a big chore, it’s an important task for a number of reasons. People who clean dryer vents regularly notice a difference in their appliance’s performance. Not only will this practice keep you and those in your home safe, it will also extend the life of your dryer and make it work more effectively.

If you need someone who cleans dryer vents to come to your home and assist you, there are a number of qualified companies that can help. Crystal Clean Vents is dedicated to helping our clients with all kinds of vent and duct cleaning needs. Our technicians who clean out dryer vents will ensure your dryer is ready for use in no time.

Whether you need someone who cleans dryer vents, cleans air conditioner vents or makes sure your ventilation system is clear, Crystal Clean Vents can help improve the airflow throughout your home. If you’d like to learn more about our dryer cleaning services, contact us today! We’d be happy to come by and remove that excess lint for you.