News and Do It Yourself Tips | Dryer Vent Cleaning

Maintaining your dryer vent is a crucial aspect of home upkeep, especially if you toss those loads in regularly. When you hire a professional to clean your dryer vent, you get to say goodbye to all that built-up lint and junk, which not only lowers your risk of a dryer fire but also boosts your overall home safety. Seriously, a good cleaning can make your dryer work better and even help it last longer.

We’re all about making sure you have the scoop before you book a dryer vent cleaning. That’s why we’ve put together a rundown on what to expect from the service, not to mention the benefits you might notice right after.

Romans 8:26-28 – Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Read More…)

So, why bother cleaning those dryer vents?

Many people mistakenly think that the lint trap and the vent are the same deal. Spoiler alert: they’re not! The lint trap is that mesh screen you access from the front of the dryer. If you empty it regularly, it catches a good chunk of lint from each load.

Now, the dryer vent lives at the back of your appliance. Its main job? To push that hot air outside your house. Any lint that escapes the trap can end up clogging this vent, which can prevent your dryer from doing its thing effectively. Trust me, even if you’re on the ball with emptying that lint trap, some lint and debris are still likely to sneak into the vent over time.

If too much lint gathers, it can hit the dryer’s heating element. And let’s be real, lint is super flammable. It can catch fire in no time if it gets too close to that heating element. Blocked vents are one of the top reasons for dryer- and house-related fires. The U.S. Fire Administration sums it up nicely:

“Lint is a highly combustible material that can accumulate both in the dryer and in the dryer vent. Accumulated lint leads to reduced airflow and can pose a potential fire hazard…and overheating may occur, resulting in a fire.”

Romans 8:32-39 – He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? (Read More…)

When you get a professional cleaning, you not only improve how your dryer vents air out, but you’re also taking steps to prevent those lint-based fires from ever happening.

Okay, so when should you clean your dryer vent?

If you’re someone who uses the dryer a lot, the U.S. Fire Administration suggests cleaning those vents at least once a year. If you’ve never had it cleaned—or haven’t in over a year—it’s definitely time to get the professionals involved. If you’re renting, make sure to ask your landlord if there’s a record of any past cleanings. Besides the yearly chore, you might need to clean more often based on how frequently the dryer gets used or if you notice signs of major lint buildup.

Speaking of signs, here are a few red flags: if your clothes take longer to dry, start smelling musty, or if you catch a whiff of burning smells. As annoying as those symptoms might be, they’re signals that it’s time for a cleanup beyond your annual schedule.

Psalms 119:76 – Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.

Let’s look at the perks of getting your dryer vents professionally cleaned.

When you let a pro do their thing, you’re likely to notice some big improvements in your dryer’s performance. Here are a few benefits you might find:

Faster Dryer Times:
Have you ever found yourself running clothes through multiple dry cycles to get them actually dry? Cleaning out that vent can speed things up. Blocked vents make it tough for humid air to escape, meaning your damp clothes take ages to dry. A clear vent helps hot air move freely, allowing for shorter drying times—maybe even just one cycle.
Less Damage to Clothing:
Shorter drying times mean less heat exposure for your clothes, which, in turn, reduces damage. A study from the American Chemical Society found that cotton fabrics get pretty worn out at high temps. So, by cutting your drying time in half, you’re also extending the life of your favorite garments.
Lower Risk of Dryer Vent Fires:
This goes back to that earlier point about fire hazards. In fact, the National Fire Protection Agency states that neglecting to clean lint and dust from dryers was tied to one-third of all dryer fires in 2020. Regular cleanings can greatly diminish that fire risk and keep your dryer in better shape too.
Lower Electricity Usage:
If you run your dryer less because of those cleaner vents, you’ll likely save on your electricity bill. Sure, it might not show up immediately, but after a year of more efficient cycles, you could see a noticeable difference. It’s all about working smarter, not harder!
Longer Dryer Life:
Cleaning those vents also helps extend your dryer’s lifespan. Clogs make your machine work extra hard, which increases wear and tear. The less strain on your dryer, the longer it can stick around to do its job.
Better Indoor Air Quality:
If your dryer vent is clogged, it can affect how hot air escapes to the outside. That hot air might end up circulating back into your home—yikes! Not only does that affect your comfort, but it can also bring microplastics into your living space. Those microfibers aren’t just annoying; they can transport pollutants and irritate your air quality.
Lower Carbon Monoxide Risk:
This one’s crucial if you have a gas dryer. Lint blockages can let carbon monoxide seep into your home, which is obviously not great for anyone’s health. If you ever smell burning while running the dryer, stop it immediately until a professional can take a look. Keeping your vent clean is vital for protecting your family from this harmful gas.

Isaiah 40:1-2 – Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. (Read More…)

So there you have it! Taking care of your dryer vent is not just about making laundry day easier—it’s about safeguarding your home and keeping everything running smoothly. Don’t let lint be the very thing that causes trouble. Regular cleanings can save you a lot of hassle down the road!