Lint is highly flammable, and the lint screen doesn't catch all of it. The rest collects inside the dryer vent, where it narrows the opening and traps heat.
The U.S. Fire Administration has reported that failure to clean is the leading factor in home clothes dryer fires. You can read a summary of their report here.
Warning signs
- Clothes take two cycles to dry.
- The dryer or the clothes are very hot at the end of a cycle.
- You smell something burning when the dryer runs.
- The outside vent flap barely opens, or lint collects around it.
- The laundry room feels warm and humid while the dryer runs.
Simple habits that help
- Clean the lint screen before every load.
- Don't run the dryer when nobody is home or overnight.
- Use a rigid or semi-rigid metal transition hose, not plastic or foil.
- Check the outside vent cap a few times a year.
How often to clean
About once a year for most homes. Long vent runs, rooftop vents and large families need cleaning more often. Our dryer vent service includes an airflow check before and after, so you can see the difference.