Cleaning dryer vents is an essential task that can help you save money on energy bills, extend the life of your dryer, and avoid expensive repairs. Doing it yourself can be costly and increase the risk of fire, so it's best to hire a professional if it's been 6 months or more since the vents were last cleaned. Professional equipment is more effective at removing large amounts of waste and is stronger and more durable, so it can reach any area of the ducts that has buildup. When done correctly, a professional dryer rack cleaner will inspect both the dryer itself and the vent hole that comes out.
They will be able to identify any problems with the dryer and alert you to any warning signs or potential dangers that may arise. As they clean the dryer, they will use their skills and experience to check if the ventilation grille is damaged. There are several reasons why a homeowner might want a professional to clean their dryer vent instead of doing it themselves. Dryer ventilation, also known as a duct, is essential for the proper and efficient operation of the clothes dryer. Since dryer vents are often behind walls, it is important to make sure they are not damaged during cleaning, as replacing them can be expensive. The Fire Administration reports about 2,900 drier-related fires in homes each year, and the primary cause is a lack of dryer cleaning.
Cleaning kits for dryer racks are available at hardware stores, but without proper training and experience, these kits can cause damage. The dryer vent cleaner will use their tools and knowledge of how to use them properly without damaging the walls of the ventilation grilles to clean them completely. You should also consider hiring a professional if you can't easily access the dryer vent from outside your home. While it's possible to clean the dryer's vents yourself, many homeowners prefer to call in a professional to do so. If you have an electric leaf blower, you can bring it inside and force air through the dryer's ventilation grille and expel the lint to the outside.
Most homeowners won't be able to identify the material their dryer vents are made of or their size. If that describes your configuration of ducts, it's probably best to leave the job to a professional dryer rack cleaning company.