Common signs include:

• Clothes taking longer to dry

• A hot or humid laundry room after running the dryer

• A burning smell during use

• Excessive lint buildup around the dryer or vent opening If it’s been over a year since your last cleaning, it’s time to schedule one—even without visible issues.

Lint is highly flammable. Over time, it builds up inside the vent system and restricts airflow, increasing the risk of overheating and fires. Cleaning the vent improves safety, boosts dryer performance, and helps reduce energy bills.

For most homes, once a year is recommended. If you have a large household, pets, or run frequent laundry loads, more frequent cleaning may be necessary.

At Northwest Chimney, we clean the entire dryer vent system using rotary brushes and commercial-grade vacuums. We remove lint, debris, and blockages—ensuring proper airflow from the back of your dryer to the exterior termination.