Why is it important to keep your dryer vent clean and how much difference does it really make?

[Marry Jeyn]

Has anyone here dealt with a dryer that just doesn’t seem to work like it used to? Lately, my clothes take forever to dry, sometimes coming out damp even after two full cycles, and I’ve noticed the machine feels hotter than usual. I keep wondering if this is just because the dryer is getting old, or if something else is going on, like maybe the vent being clogged. I’ve heard that lint buildup can actually cause a fire hazard, which honestly makes me a bit nervous. Before I call in a service, I’d love to know if anyone has had their vents professionally cleaned and whether it made a real difference.

[Dasa]

The thing is, I don’t mind doing basic cleaning around the house, but when it comes to the dryer vent, I’m not even sure where to start. I’ve tried pulling out some lint from the trap, but it doesn’t seem to help much. A friend told me they got theirs cleaned and it made their dryer run like new, but I’m still skeptical if it’s worth it or just another service people try to sell you.

[Darry Suera]

I was in the same situation a few months ago, and it turned out the problem wasn’t the dryer at all—it was the vent. Once I had a professional come in to clean dryer exhaust, the difference was night and day. Suddenly my clothes were drying in one cycle again, the musty smell in the laundry room was gone, and the whole system just felt safer. The tech explained that lint buildup really does trap heat and force the dryer to overwork, which not only wastes energy but can become a fire risk if ignored. For me, it was worth it just for the peace of mind, but the bonus of saving time and electricity on every load has been huge.