6 signs you need a dryer vent cleaning

Moldy Smell - When dryer vents get really clogged often the steam is unable to escape causing water to end up collecting in the vent. Over time this stagnant water will begin to smell really bad.

Smoke smell - If you are smelling smoke this means two things usually, there is a small fire inside of your dryer. This is caused by a lack of cleaning over the years. You will need a new dryer and a dryer vent cleaning.

Lint accumulates around the dryer area - When lint is building up around the dryer area it means two things. The first is that the dryer vent has  some back pressure, meaning not all the air can escape so some of the air is turning around and coming back to the dryer. It also means that the seals on the flex line are failing which will happen over time.

Increased drying time - If your clothes are coming out of the dryer damp and taking two some time three cycles to dry your clothes this is a tell tale sign your dryer vent needs a cleaning. Unfortunately most just think it's time to buy a new dryer, when the new dryer comes you will have the same problem if you do not clean the vent.

The dryer is extremely hot to the touch - This means that the hot air is unable to escape so it is just sitting in the dryer heating up the metal, most dryers are warm to the touch but should not burn your hand. If your dryer is burning your hand it is probably time for a cleaning  

Error codes - A lot of newer dryers are having error codes like “D80” which mean that the vent is 80 percent clogged. Some dryers will even say that it needs a dryer vent cleaning; they are able to tell this because the sensors feel how much back pressure there is.