Most homeowners think of dryer lint as nothing more than a minor annoyance—something to be swiped off a screen before the next load of towels. But that small pile of fluff is actually highly flammable. In fact, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), nearly 16,000 home fires are caused by clothes dryers every year, and the leading cause is a failure to clean the dryer vent.

At Cotton Home Repairs, we believe your home should be your safest place. Understanding how your dryer vent works—and when it’s working against you—is the first step in fire prevention.

The Danger of the \"Hidden\" Lint

While you likely clean your lint filter every time you dry a load, that screen only catches about 70% of the debris. The remaining 30% travels past the filter and into the internal workings of the dryer and the vent hose leading outside.

Over time, this lint builds up, narrowing the passage and restricting airflow. This creates a dangerous \"perfect storm\":

Extreme Heat: Without proper airflow, the dryer’s internal temperature skyrockets.
Highly Flammable Fuel: The vent is now lined with dry, combustible lint.
The Spark: If the heating element or gas burner ignites even a tiny bit of that lint, the restricted airflow can turn your vent into a blowtorch, spreading fire behind your walls in seconds.

3 Warning Signs Your Vent is Clogged

You don't need to be an expert to know if your laundry room is at risk. Keep an eye out for these \"red flags\":

The \"Double Dry\": Does it take two or more cycles to get a load of towels completely dry? This is the #1 sign that air cannot escape your vent.
Excessive Heat: If the top of your dryer feels hot to the touch or your clothes are uncomfortably hot when you pull them out, your system is overworking.
The \"Musty\" Smell: A burning smell or a heavy, damp scent in the laundry room suggests that hot, moist air is being trapped in the vent rather than exhausted outside.

Why a Professional Cleaning Matters

It’s common to try cleaning a dryer vent with a shop vac, but most household vacuums can’t reach far enough into the duct to remove buildup throughout the entire run. In some cases, suction at the opening only removes surface lint or shifts debris deeper into the line- where it can collect in bends and create a more stubborn blockage.

Professional equipment is designed to clean the full length of the vent safely and thoroughly, especially when the duct run is long or has turns that a typical shop vac hose can’t effectively reach.

A professional cleaning ensures:

Full Removal: Using specialized brushes and along with suction to clear the entire length of the duct.
Mechanical Inspection: Checking for crushed hoses or disconnected joints behind the dryer that could be leaking carbon monoxide (for gas dryers) or moisture into your home.
Bird & Pest Prevention: Ensuring your exterior vent cover is functional and hasn't become a nesting ground for local wildlife.

Pro Tip: Cleaning your vent doesn't just prevent fires—it saves you money. A clean vent can reduce your drying time by 50%, significantly lowering your monthly utility bill and extending the life of your dryer.

How we verify results: airflow testing with an anemometer

Cleaning is important—but results matter. When we perform a dryer vent cleaning, we also measure dryer exhaust airflow using an anemometer to help confirm that airflow has actually improved. This gives you a real-world performance check, not a guess, and it helps catch issues like partially blocked ducting, a stuck exterior flap, or a vent route that’s still restricting flow even after lint removal.

Protect Your Family Today

Don't wait for a warning light or a burning smell to take action. A routine dryer vent inspection is one of the most affordable ways to ensure your home stays safe and efficient.

The Laundry Room Safety Checklist

[ ] Clean the lint screen after every load.

[ ] Check the exterior vent flap while the dryer is running to ensure air is blowing out forcefully.

[ ] Ensure you have a rigid or semi-rigid metal vent hose (avoid flammable plastic or foil \"slinky\" transition ducts).

[ ] Schedule a professional deep-clean at least once a year.

Ready to clear the air? Schedule a dryer vent safety inspection with Cotton Home Repairs and breathe easy knowing your laundry room isn't a hazard.

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Is a Fire Starter Hiding in Your Laundry Room?

Discover how proper dryer vent maintenance can protect your home from devastating fires.

Understanding the Risks of Clogged Dryer Vents

Schedule Your Dryer Vent Inspection Today

Ensure your laundry room is safe. Contact Cotton Home Repairs for expert vent cleaning and peace of mind.