Most homeowners automatically clean out the lint trap after every load of laundry, but there is more lint hiding in the vents leading from the dryer to the outside of the home. When was the last time the homeowner cleaned those? The answer is probably “maybe a few years ago.” In reality, dryer vents must be kept clean to ensure a home is safe for the home seller and prospective home buyers.
The Problem With Clogged Vents
Every year, there are almost 3,000 dryer fires across the United States, which lead to 5 deaths, 100 injuries and over $35 million in property loss. The leading cause of dryer fires is inadequately cleaned dryer vents. If dryer vents are very clogged as a result of repeated neglect, the lint and debris accumulation can actually lead to the accumulation of gases like carbon monoxide inside of the home. Obviously, any prospective home buyer would not want to move into a home that is filled with a major fire hazard!
Signs That a Dryer Vent is Clogged
Before the home inspector comes by, ask the home seller if any of these signs of a clogged dryer vent have appeared:
- Clothes that take over a cycle to dry
- A dryer that is hot to the touch while drying clothes
- Clothes that feel damp or smell musty after the dry cycle is completed
- Puddles of water around the base of the dryer
- A nasty odor when opening the dryer
Even if none of these signs are apparent, you should still encourage your home seller to schedule a professional dryer vent cleaning from Clean Sweep.
Why Should You Hire a Professional?
The majority of dryers have between 10 and 40 feet of ductwork complete with bends and creases along the way. These creases make it difficult to do the job on your own. DIY kits are inadequate for most ductwork cleaning tasks, and your home seller trying to save some money doing it alone will just lead to higher costs in the future when it becomes clear a professional is needed.
Chimney Sweeping and Dryer Vent Cleaning With Ease from Clean Sweep
Call Clean Sweep Maryland today at 410-558-1111 for professional service designed to keep all of your listed homes clean and ready-for-sale.