In the US alone, a large percentage of the household fires recorded per year is caused by the dryer vent. When lint accumulates in the dryer, it becomes a fire hazard because it is combustible. So is pet fur. Homeowners with pets must take extra effort to clean the inside of a dryer vent because, aside from fabric fiber, the buildup will also include fur. Lots of it. There is a huge possibility that the buildup will be double that of the dryer vent in a house with no pets.

How Often Do You Need To Clean Your Dryer Vent?

For a home without pets, the recommendation for a dryer vent cleaning schedule is yearly. However, for a home with dogs, cats, and other furry friends, twice a year would be more appropriate. If you have pets that are known to shed more or have longer fur, you might want to clean the vent more than three to four times a year. If you are unsure, inspect the dryer vent regularly to see how quick a buildup develops. This way, you would be able to make a proper schedule.

Tips For A Clean Dryer Vent

If you are to do the cleaning yourself, here are some tips to help you make sure you clean it the right way.

Take out the lint trap filter in the dryer. This is the first filter that lint passes through and, although it can catch lint, there will always be some that will make it through.
If you have a vacuum with a pointy attachment, use it to clean out the lint trap. The pointy part should be able to help you get that stubborn lint inside the trap.
Vacuum out the dryer hose. This needs a little unclamping or unscrewing so be very careful.
Clean the outer dryer vent, too, if you are able to access it. Make sure that nothing in front of it that could block the flow of air.

For more thorough cleaning, it is highly recommended to hire a dryer vent service that could check, clean the dryer vent for you and perform vent repair if needed. They have the proper tools and equipment to do so and they are licensed and highly trained. Hiring an expert to clean the dryer vent is totally crucial in maintaining the house, the people that live in it, and the pets that have become part of the family.