Dispelling Common Myths About Dryer Vent Cleaning

Dryer vent cleaning probably isn’t a topic you think about often – but be careful when doing research on the topic. There’s a lot of misinformation out there, and that’s a problem because clogged dryer vents are a genuine fire hazard. Estimates are that clothes dryers cause tens of thousands of fires each year, and dryer lint is one of the biggest contributors to those fires.

So in this article, we want to address some of the most noteworthy false myths about dryer vent cleaning, and highly encourage you to stay on top of their cleaning!

Don’t Believe These Myths About Dryer Vent Cleaning

1 – Dryer vent cleaning is NOT unnecessary

Some people claim that there’s no need to clean dryer vents at all and that they keep themselves clean through air movement. This is absolutely 100% false, and people claiming it are probably risking a fire. Lint absolutely will build up in dryer vents, along with other gunk and even byproducts from vermin that might be scuttling around the vents.

On top of that, clogged vents also put a lot of extra strain on your dryer. It can cause the dryer cycles to run longer, wasting energy, and decreasing the dryer’s lifespan.

2 – Dryer vent cleaning should only be done every few years

We also often see people claim that dryer vent cleaning should only be done irregularly, every 3-5 years. Again, as professionals we dispute this. In any building – residential or commercial – with dryers that run regularly, you should have them cleaned around once a year. Multi-unit residential buildings such as apartments or condos with community dryers that run near-constantly should have the vents cleaned twice a year, to be safe.

3 – Dryer vent cleaning can be done by yourself

There are many cleaning projects that can be done by a homeowner or on-staff maintenance crew, but dryer vent cleaning isn’t among them. Dryer vents can be extensive, going deep inside a building, and that requires specialized equipment to properly clean. If you attempt to DIY the cleaning, at best you’ll be able to clean out the first few feet on either end of the vent. Everything in between will continue to be clogged up.

4 – Emptying the lint trap is sufficient cleaning

Finally, while you do need to regularly empty the lint trap, the trap does not fully prevent lint from getting into the ducts. Even the best-cleaned lint trap will still let materials through that build-up over time. Regular cleaning is the only solution.

Contact MASDUCT – Michael A. Smith Duct Cleaning ltd. for Dryer Vent Cleaning Today

MASDUCT is Vancouver’s expert for air duct and dryer vent cleaning! We’ve been serving the area for 25 years, with the tools and expertise necessary to clean even the largest and most complicated duct and vent systems.

Whether you’re an individual homeowner, or managing a large property, you need dryer vent cleaning at least once a year. Contact us to schedule an appointment.