Dryer Vent Cleaning in Chevy Chase

Our technicians will conduct an initial inspection of the dryer machine, dryer duct and exterior dryer vent to assess the structural integrity and cleaning purposes. We clean the entire dryer line using a professional flexible rotary brush compatible for the duct. All excess lint will be cleared from the line to ensure a complete cleaning of the vent.

Americans report about 2,900 home clothes dryer fires each year, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. About 34% of these fires start because homeowners don’t clean their dryer vent ductwork. Dryer vent fires are one of the leading causes of home fires!

Take a look behind your dryer machine. You are likely to notice a box-like or a tube-like system running from it, going into a wall or out a window of your home. This tube is the dryer vent. The problem is that clothes tend to have dust, debris, and fabric particles on them, which will get trapped in the dryer vent. During the clothes drying process, this material gets into the dryer vent and clogs up the system, lining the opening of your dryer as well as the entire dryer vent line. 

When this line is blocked and the dryer is running, the extremely hot air coming from the dryer gets held in the hose. Any prolonged amount of high heat combined with the lint blockage can create a fire. We cannot express enough the importance of routine, professional dryer vent cleanings to clear the blockages and keep everyone safe.

That is a great question. Dryer vents should be cleaned and inspected by a professional at least once a year.

You may notice any of the following list which will indicate that it is time for us to come clean the dryer vent. 

• It takes more than one cycle for your clothing or towels to dry.  The average drying cycle takes 30-45 minutes. If the load is not completely dry after one cycle, you can be sure there is blockage in the vent. 

• Your clothing or the outside of the dryer is hot. You might notice your clothing is hot to the touch after the cycle or the door of your dryer is hot. This is because the hot air is not exiting the dryer properly, indicating a blockage in the vent.

• There is a burning smell – If you notice a burning smell, stop the cycle immediately and call to schedule your dryer vent cleaning service. The lint, which is extremely flammable, is heating up creating the burning smell. Do not use your dryer until it has been cleaned and inspected by a professional.

• The dryer vent flap on the outside of your home does not open up properly.  A clear visual sign it is time to clean the dryer vent. All of the air exhausting from the dryer will push the flap up. If the flap is not opening during the drying cycle it means that the air flow is being restricted due to lint buildup.

• A musty or mildew smell in the dryer or on clothes. If your clothing or dryer has a musty smell after the cycle, this is because the moisture from the hot air is sitting in the dryer machine and not venting outside properly due to lint buildup in the dryer vent. 

• It has been longer than 1 year since your last dryer vent cleaning. Dryer vents should be cleaned at least once a year to reduce the risk of fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. If your dryer is used very frequently, you may require the dryer cleaning more often.