Winter Dryer Vent Cleaning: Is It Too Late To Clean Your Air Ducts?

It's never too late to clean your air ducts, and it can be especially beneficial to do so during the winter months. However, if possible, it's best to clean them before the cold weather arrives. The size of your family, how often you do laundry, and the size of the loads you wash all influence how often dryer vents should be cleaned. If you live in an area with cold winters, it's essential to clean the dryer vent before the first snowfall.

To do this, simply disconnect the ventilation grille at the back of the dryer and use a brush to remove any trapped debris. Then, use a vacuum cleaner to remove the rest. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) states that the leading cause of fires in household clothes dryers is due to clogged ventilation grilles. Not only are these clogged vents flammable, but they can also prevent poisonous gases from leaving your home.

Rather than allowing a clogged dryer vent to cause problems, it's best to contact a professional to clean it properly during the winter months. From the dryer's ventilation grille, air passes through an aluminum or metal duct that leads safely to the house's exterior exhaust duct. Unlike air duct cleaning, which usually requires a professional service provider, you can clean the dryer's ventilation grille relatively easily by yourself. If you're still not comfortable cleaning the dryer vents on your own or want to clean them thoroughly, it's time to call in the experts.

Like air duct systems, dryer vents can accumulate lint, dust, and other particles that increase the risk of fire. Stanley Steemer offers a number of services for its duct systems, such as cleaning dryer vents, cleaning air ducts, and cleaning exhaust fans. Grand Rapids Duct Cleaners also offers dryer vent cleaning services that will remove all lint and debris from the vents, reducing the risk of fire. Since everyone's situation is different, it's recommended that you clean your dryer vents at least once a year.

The best way to avoid a dryer fire is to have your vents cleaned by a professional at least once a year.