Cleaning the dryer vent lines in a standard household dryer system is a task that can take up to an hour to complete. It is recommended to clean your condo dryer vent at least once a year, depending on how often you use the dryer. If you notice lint accumulation, longer drying times, or a burning smell while the clothes are drying, it is important to call a professional right away. A dryer duct cleaning kit can be found on Amazon and comes with flexible rods that allow you to reach up to 12 feet into the duct.
The kit also includes a rotating brush that must be inserted first. To ensure that the connections don't break, it is best to cover each connection with electrical tape. To make sure the dryer vent is in great condition, it is advised to pull out the vent brush about once every 12 months. If you have pets that shed or a large family that requires your electric or gas dryer to be in constant use, additional cleaning throughout the year may be necessary.
Reducing the amount of dust and lint in and around the dryer can reduce how often you need to clean the dryer vent. When the vents become clogged with various objects (usually lint) or debris, the dryer is not properly heated or ventilated. In a single-family home, the ventilation grille is usually only a few feet long and is vented directly outside the laundry room, making cleaning easier. However, apartment complexes may have their ventilation grilles near the top of the building, which requires special equipment and expertise to effectively clean.
To properly clean dryer vents in apartments, it is best to trust local Planet Duct professionals. Properly cleaning dryer vents can help keep the entire dryer running smoothly, improve drying time of the machine, and decrease the risk of home fires. If you rent the condo, Colorado housing laws require that your landlord cover the cost of cleaning the dryer vent. If you share the dryer vent with other units, you can ask your neighbors to share the cost with you. Once all of these steps have been completed, your apartment dryer vents should be working properly again.
With regular maintenance and proper care, you can ensure that your dryer vents remain in great condition for years to come.
