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How Often Should You Clean Your Dryer Duct?
Should you clean your dryer vent once a year? Twice? Thrice?
Are you one of those homeowners or landlords who have no idea that you should have your dryer duct cleaned by a professional? Well, let me tell you, you're not alone. In fact, there are so many people out there who don't realise the importance of this simple yet critical task. But don't worry, we’re here to help you avoid a disastrous situation.
Did you know that every year, over 12,000 fires relating to clothes dryers break out in residential buildings? That's a scary statistic, and it's one that you don't want to be a part of. So, how can you avoid this? By cleaning your dryer duct, of course!
Now, I know what you're thinking. "But I already empty the lint trap!" And while that's important, it's not enough. You see, during the frigid winter months in places like Montreal, people tend to dry heavy items like blankets, sweaters, and woolen socks. This makes cleaning the dryer duct even more imperative. If lint becomes trapped inside the duct and accumulates, hot forced air from the dryer can ignite a fire.
Fire in Your Dryer Vent: Not the Only Risk
If you think lint can cause a fire, wait until we talk about mould in your dryer vent
But that's not the only risk. Moisture in the air can cause even a small amount of lint to stick together, leading to it becoming trapped inside the dryer duct. Using a standard vacuum cleaner won't cut it. You need a professional technician with the proper technique. FYI: did we forget to mention ours is unique? Ask us about it!.
During the cleaning service, we (or whichever expert you hire) will detach the duct from the back of the dryer and then use our preferred technique to clear everything out. Many use blasted air. We don’t. Ask us why!
And we won't stop there. We’ll also clean the duct from the exterior of your home to make sure nothing gets missed.
Blocked Dryer Duct: The Warning Signs
4 signs your dryer vent is blocked
Now, let's talk about potential warning signs. If you notice that loads of laundry are taking much longer to dry than usual, there's a good chance you have accumulated lint in the duct. You might also notice a hot or burning smell when running the dryer if the duct becomes clogged. Even the outside of your dryer might become hot to the touch, and if the vent hood flap on your dryer doesn't open correctly, that's a warning sign too.
Extended Drying Time – If it takes longer than usual for your laundry to dry, you might have lint buildup in your duct.
Bad Smell – A clogged duct can cause a hot or burning smell when you run your dryer.
Giving Off Heat – If the outside of your dryer feels hot to the touch, it could be a sign of a clogged duct.
Hood Flap – If the vent hood flap on your dryer doesn't open correctly, it's another warning sign that you need to have your duct cleaned.
The Best Way to Keep Your Dryer Vents Clean
A.k.a.: Dryer vent peace of mind
So, what's the best way to protect you, your family, pets, and your home? By having a professional clean your dryer duct on a scheduled basis. Normally a dryer duct needs to be cleaned every two years, a bird nest or improper maintenance of the dryer’s internal screen, a squashed wall connection all need immediate attention, watch for the warning signs!
Don't take any chances when it comes to your home and your safety. Call SOS Dryer for superior service and optimal protection. And who knows, maybe you'll even get a kick out of watching all that lint come flying out of your duct. Just don't forget to wear your goggles!