Short answer: if clothes take more than one cycle to dry, the dryer gets very hot, or you smell something burning, the vent is probably clogged with lint. Lint is highly flammable, so a blocked vent is a fire hazard. Most homes should have the full vent run cleaned at least once a year.
Warning signs of a clogged dryer vent
- Clothes still damp after a full cycle
- The dryer or the laundry room gets unusually hot
- A burning smell when the dryer runs
- Lint collecting around the door seal or behind the dryer
- The outside vent flap barely opens when the dryer is on
- Birds or nests near the outside vent
Why the lint trap is not enough
The lint screen catches most lint, but some always gets past it and builds up inside the duct, especially at bends and in long runs. Over time that buildup restricts airflow, the dryer runs hotter and longer, and the risk of fire goes up.
How often to clean it
Read the full guide: how often should you clean your dryer vent.
At least once a year for most homes. More often for large families, frequent laundry, pets, or long or twisting vent runs.
Condos and townhouses
Many condos in Toronto, North York and the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre have long dryer vent runs to the exterior wall. Long runs clog faster and are harder to reach. If drying times have crept up in your suite, the vent is the first thing to check.
What you can do yourself
- Clean the lint screen after every load.
- Wash the screen with soap and water every few months to remove fabric softener film.
- Check the outside vent flap opens freely.
- Do not run the dryer when you leave the house.
- Replace flimsy foil or plastic connectors with rigid or semi-rigid metal duct.
What a professional cleaning involves
The dryer is pulled out, the connector is checked, and the full run from the dryer to the outside hood is brushed and vacuumed. Bird nests and blockages at the exterior hood are removed, and airflow is checked at the end.
Frequently asked questions
Can a clogged vent damage my dryer?
Yes. Overheating wears out heating elements, thermostats and belts sooner.
Can you clean the dryer vent with the air ducts?
Yes. Many people book both together.
UltiClean offers dryer vent cleaning on its own or with air duct cleaning, across Toronto, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Aurora and Newmarket. Call 647-676-0576.
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