The U.S. Fire Administration reports that dryers cause approximately 2,900 home fires per year, resulting in 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property damage. The leading cause: failure to clean the dryer vent. Here's everything Colorado Springs homeowners need to know about dryer vent cleaning.

How Often Should You Clean Your Dryer Vent?

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends cleaning your dryer vent at least once per year. If you have a large family, do multiple loads per day, or have a long vent run, clean every 6 months. Colorado Springs' dry climate means lint dries out quickly — which actually makes it more flammable.

Warning Signs Your Dryer Vent Needs Cleaning

• Clothes take more than one cycle to dry
• Dryer is hot to the touch during operation
• Burning smell when dryer is running
• Laundry room feels unusually hot and humid
• Lint visible around the dryer vent opening outside
• It's been more than a year since your last cleaning

What Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning Involves

Professional dryer vent cleaning uses rotary brush systems and high-powered vacuums to remove lint buildup from the entire vent run — from the dryer connection to the exterior termination cap. We also inspect the vent for damage, improper materials (plastic flex duct is a fire hazard), and correct termination.

DIY vs. Professional Cleaning

DIY dryer vent cleaning kits can clean the first few feet of duct, but most Colorado Springs homes have vent runs of 10–25 feet that require professional equipment to clean thoroughly. We recommend professional cleaning annually and DIY lint trap cleaning after every load.