As a professional in the field, I have witnessed firsthand the consequences of neglecting to properly clean dryer vents. While it may seem like a mundane task, the reality is that failing to clean your dryer vent can have serious and even deadly consequences. The ventilation grilles and dryer ducts are prone to collecting lint and other debris, such as dirt and grass, from both the dryer itself and the outside environment. In some cases, these ducts can even become home to birds' nests without the homeowner's knowledge.
However, the true danger lies in the highly flammable nature of the debris that accumulates in these vents. When combined with the heat produced by the dryer, it can quickly ignite and cause a fire that can spread faster than one can imagine. This is especially concerning for those with gas dryers, as a blocked vent can lead to a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide - a deadly gas that is both odorless and invisible.