Top Five Warning Signs It’s Time To Clean Your Dryer Vent

Here are signs that it’s time to clean your dryer vent :

1. The Drying Time Increases

The dryer vent’s job is to force damp air out of touch with your wet garments, allowing your clothes to dry. When lint accumulates in the dryer vent, airflow is impeded, and hot wet air is trapped inside the dryer. The dryer will struggle to complete its work if there is no way for the moisture to leave. You’ll notice that your cycles are taking longer and longer to complete or that your items are still moist when they come out.

2. The Dryer Is Running Hot

If the dryer and the clothing you take from it after a cycle gets hot to the touch, it’s a sign that a buildup in the vent is preventing the machine from adequately draining.

3. The Hood Flap Does Not Open

While the dryer is running, the hood flap covering the dryer vent should always be open to allow hot air to circulate out of the dryer and prevent the machine from overheating. When the dryer is turned on and the hood flap isn’t open, it’s a clear sign that the vent needs to be cleaned. A closed hood restricts airflow and allows heat to build up inside, potentially posing a fire threat.