Dryer vent cleaning is one of those home maintenance tasks that’s easy to overlook—until a serious issue arises. While the dryer seems to run just fine for a while, the hidden buildup inside the vent tells a different story. Neglecting dryer vent cleaning can lead to a chain reaction of damage, safety risks, and expensive repairs over time.

Here’s a timeline of what happens when the dryer vent is never cleaned.

After a Few Months: Lint Begins to Build Up
Every time you use your dryer, lint escapes the filter and travels into the vent system. Within a few months, this lint begins to accumulate inside the vent walls, especially at bends and curves in the duct.
Airflow becomes slightly restricted, and your clothes may take a little longer to dry—but the problem is just getting started.

6 to 12 Months: Drying Time Increases, Energy Use Rises
As the vent gets more clogged, warm, moist air has trouble escaping. You may notice clothes are still damp after a full drying cycle or the dryer feels unusually hot.
Longer run times mean your dryer uses more energy, driving up your utility bill. The appliance is also under more stress, which can shorten its lifespan.

1 to 2 Years: Overheating, Mold Growth, and Fire Risk
The lint buildup inside the vent becomes thick and compacted, trapping heat and moisture. This creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew to develop in the duct.
Meanwhile, your dryer has to work even harder, and the risk of overheating increases. The lint, which is highly flammable, can ignite from the heat of the appliance or a spark, leading to a dangerous house fire.

2+ Years: Appliance Failure and Potential Fire Hazard
If the dryer vent has never been cleaned in over two years, the damage can be severe.
The dryer’s motor, thermostat, or heating element may burn out completely. Worst of all, the fire hazard becomes very real—with lint-clogged vents being one of the leading causes of dryer-related house fires.

Signs You’re Overdue for a Cleaning

  • Clothes take multiple cycles to dry

  • Burning smell when dryer runs

  • Dryer feels excessively hot

  • Lint buildup around the vent outlet

  • It’s been more than a year since your last service

Don’t Wait for a Costly Emergency
The good news is that this entire chain of problems is preventable with regular dryer vent cleaning. Our dryer vent cleaning service safely removes built-up lint and debris, restores proper airflow, and helps your dryer run efficiently.

We also offer dryer vent bird cover installation to keep unwanted pests and nesting materials out of your system.

Call us today at (877) 247-9797 to schedule your professional dryer vent cleaning and protect your home from unnecessary damage.