Maxim Cleaning & Restoration, Inc.

Services

Water Damage Restoration

Related Services and Providers

Lead Renovation

Click to verify BBB accreditation and to see a BBB report.

Institute of Inspection Cleaning, Restoration and Certification

MAXIM's Many
Other Affiliations

Home > Services > Dryer Vents > FAQ

FAQ

How do I know my dryer vent needs to be cleaned?
- Clothes (especially towels or jeans) take a very long time to dry
- Clothes are hotter than usual at the end of the cycle
- Flapper on vent hood doesn't open when dryer is on
- If you notice any of these signs, schedule a professional dryer cleaning immediately. You could save money and even your life with this simple procedure
Why should I clean my dryer vent?
- The Consumer Products Safety Commission estimates that there are an estimated annual 15,500 fires, 10 deaths, and 310 injuries associated with clothes dryers. Also over $84,000,000 in property damage. {link to www.dryerbox.com/dryer_fire_articles.htm} Accumulation of lint and reduced exhaust airflow provide conditions ripe for a fire. Lint is highly combustible.
- Protects your home and its contents from fires{link: www.dryerbox.com/dryer_fire_articles.htm , smoke and pollutants
- Significantly reduces energy operating costs
- Dryer runs more efficiently
- Dryers will last longer
- Clothes will dry faster
- Reduces your utility costs
How can I maintain my dryer vent cleaning between visits?
- Clean the lint filter before or after each load
- Clean the back of the dryer where lint can be trapped
- Wash lint screen regularly as fabric softeners and dryer sheets can leave an invisible film in the screen
- Contact MAXIM to clean your dryer vent annually
How often should I clean my dryer vent?

Annual dryer vent cleaning is recommended
What is the right kind of dryer vent tubing?
- Replace plastic transition ducts (joining the dryer to the wall) with metal ductwork because it is non-flammable
- Make sure the dryer duct is made of solid metallic material. Both vinyl and foil are combustible and spiral-wound surfaces tend to catch lint more readily.
How does MAXIM clean dryer vents?
- Cleaned from the outside using high pressure, compressed air tool
- Compressed air tool blasts lint, debris, and bird or other nests loose sending it to the outside and then caught in a special bag
- Clean the complete vent run no matter where it exists -- roof or side
- Homes with extra long runs may need cleaning from the dryer inside to the outside vent hood flapper
- No lint enters the dryer or residence
Can I clean my own dryer vent?
Yes, you can; however, ask yourself these questions:
- Do I have the time to do this?
  Cleaning a dryer vent takes a professional with appropriate equipment approximately an hour to clean
- Do I have the right equipment?
  Using the wrong equipment could potentially damage your venting and not thoroughly clean
- Do I want to clean this mess up?
- Could I do damage to my venting or dryer?
  Again, using the wrong equipment could potentially damage your dryer and/or your venting
- Do I have the knowledge and experience to do this?
  Hiring MAXIM will ensure a proper and thorough cleaning of your dryer vent -- GUARANTEED
Can MAXIM service my dryer or replace my dryer vent?

MAXIM does not offer these services. Please see our related services and providers.
What else do I need to know?
Additional Information
- www.dryerbox.com/dryer_fire_articles.htm
- Purchasing a new dryer will not eliminate the potential fire risks if the dryer vent is clogged with lint build-up
- A dryer vent that is clogged with lint, paper particles, bird nests or other items is the primary and most significant fire hazard