Dryers and washing machines cause an average of over 15,000 fires yearly, many of which result from dirty and clogged dryer vents. Home and business owners should have their dryer exhaust vents professionally inspected and cleaned at least once a year to mitigate fire risk and optimize system efficiency. Households with heavy dryer use, typically families with many kids or pets, should schedule professional dryer vent cleaning every six months. 

In addition to fire risk, mold growth is another significant health hazard caused by clogged dryers. The average full clothing load contains nearly a half-gallon of water. A properly-functioning dryer vent system will expel this water during the dry cycle. However, if there is a clog or leak in the system, moisture cannot pass through and will instead marinate in the vent and mix with excess lint. This mixture will then stick to the vent walls, worsening the blockage and increasing the risk of mold and mildew growth.