Dryer vents clog when enough lint accumulates in your ventilation system to cause a blockage. Dryer vents can clog in a variety of ways. For one, a lengthy distance on a dryer ventilation system increases the likelihood of bends and curves in the system, where lint is most likely to collect. Second, dryer ventilation tubes are made from pliable plastic or foil, which can be easily crushed or dented given enough pressure. Finally, a poorly connected ventilation or dryer vent screen can cause lint to trap. Some ventilation screens serve to prevent animals from accessing the ventilation, but these screens can also create a barrier for lint.

When lint builds in your dryer vent, it blocks the flow of air from the dryer to the outdoor vent, creating tremendous levels of heat that could lead to a fire. This heat can cause highly flammable particles like lint and clothing to catch fire. By having your dryer vent cleared of any lint or debris, you lessen the likelihood of a fire occurring due to a blocked fire vent.

When a dryer cannot ventilate properly, it will negatively affect your home’s energy efficiency, the integrity of your clothing, and the operation of the dryer itself. A clogged dryer vent can affect the levels of heat the dryer uses to dry clothes. If clothing is subjected to extreme heat, your clothes, especially your delicates, can be ruined by the higher temperature. Additionally, if the mechanisms of your dryer are subjected to high heat over a prolonged period of time, those mechanisms could fail long before your dryer has reached the end of its service life. By ensuring that your dryer vents remain clear, you safeguard your clothing from damaging high heat and keep your dryer working as it should.