The risks of cleaning dryer vents yourself are significant and could lead to a fire. That's why it's best to hire a professional to thoroughly clean the dryer vent. Professional cleaning companies use high-powered compressed air and powerful vacuum manifolds to release the lint and collect it in the vacuum, or they may use a high-powered vacuum and rotary cleaning tools. For your safety, that of your ventilation grilles, and that of your home, hiring a professional service is an ideal option.
Many people don't realize that excessive lint buildup can cause the dryer vent to feel hot to the touch, especially after you've recently turned on a cycle. Attempting to clean the ventilation grille yourself without this background information could result in burns or injuries. By hiring a service, you can be sure that properly trained technicians who understand the nuances of the job will take care of these problems and your drying system. In some parts of the country, the laundry room is usually located on the outside wall and the dryer vent is very short, perhaps only a foot or two from the wall.
In the long term, the safest and most affordable way to clean the dryer vent is to hire a trained technician. Often, they can identify and fix the symptoms of clogged dryer vents, as well as point you in the right direction if dryer repairs are out of reach. Most homeowners will diligently clean their dryer's lint filter before putting in a new load of laundry. Long drying times, burning smells, and high laundry temperatures are good indicators that you might have a problem with the dryer's ventilation. Professional cleaning requires high-powered vacuums, ventilation brushes for dryers, and other top-notch equipment. There are a few reasons why a homeowner might want a professional to clean their dryer vent instead of cleaning it on their own.
Compounding future risk: Professionals have the resources and training to know when a dryer vent is completely clean. Dryer vents are also not standard in length or in the number of turns they have; each one varies depending on the construction of the house. The main factor contributing to the ignition of household fires related to clothes dryers was lack of cleaning, which accounted for one-third (33%) of dryer fires. If you've decided to hire a professional to clean your dryer racks, there are plenty of ways to find the right company in your area. Running the dryer several times to dry clothes is also one of the most common symptoms experienced by dryer owners when a vent is blocked.
Likewise, for tenants, be sure to contact the landlord or landlord, request a record of a recent cleaning, and request a cleaning of the dryer vent when necessary. The only way to ensure high-quality cleaning that meets recommended safety standards is to hire a reliable cleaning service. Professional dryer vent cleaning companies have all the necessary tools and expertise needed for proper maintenance and repair of your drying system.