Thanks to Clean Sweep for this episode of Tips from the Pros about cleaning dryer vents.

We all clean out our lint traps after using our dryers. Unfortunately, that simply does not do enough over the long haul to keep us and our loved ones safe from potential threats. Even if we clear our lint trap after each use, lint eventually starts to build up within our dryer vents. When these buildups are ignored, major complications can arise as a result.

The Risk of Clogged Dryer Vents

Every year, around 2900 dryer fires are reported in the United States. The leading cause of these fires? You guessed it — failure to keep the vents clean and free of lint buildups. Consequently, running a dryer that hasn’t been cleaned is especially risky during the wintertime when the air is at its driest.

Fires aren’t the only risk associated with poor dryer maintenance. Lint accumulation can also lead to the spread of gases like carbon monoxide inside of the home, something no new homebuyer would be thrilled to discover.

How Can You Tell if a Dryer Vent is Clogged?

Always be sure to ask your sellers if they’ve noticed any signs of a clogged dryer so any issues can be solved before the home inspection. This is what they should be looking out for:

• Clothes taking multiple cycles to fully dry
• A dryer that heats up more than it used to when in operation
• Clothes feeling damp after a cycle is complete
• Puddles of water around the base of the dryer
• An unpleasant odor when opening the dryer

Even if none of these signs are detected, you should still encourage your home seller to schedule a professional dryer vent cleaning to eliminate any risk of complications down the road.

Can Sellers Clean Dryer Vents Themselves?

There are DIY kits for cleaning dryer vents out there on the market. Our best recommendation? Certainly, leave this job to the professionals. Dryer ductwork is usually quite complex with bends and creases throughout. In addition, it can be up to 40 feet long. Our expertise and industry standard tools allow us to thoroughly clean even the trickiest dryer vents without leaving any lint or residue after the job is done.

Clean Sweep Is Here to Help!

Call Clean Sweep Maryland today at 410-558-1111 for professional chimney sweep, slate roofing and duct cleaning services. Likewise, we offer services designed to keep all of your listed properties clean and safe for sellers and buyers. If you have a prospective home buyer or home seller in need of a slate roof inspection or repairs, we are here to help.

Buying or selling your home? Contact Gigi today.
Oh by the way, I’m never too busy for any of your referrals!