Here are some signs that it's time to have your dryer vent professionally cleaned:

The clothes aren't drying quickly enough

This is usually the first sign that your dryer vent is blocked. If you're used to being able to put a load of laundry in the dryer, come back in 30 minutes, and have everything done and ready to fold or hang up, but now you have to add another half hour or hour onto the time, then it's probably time for an inspection by a professional cleaner.

You smell smoke when the dryer runs

If you smell smoke coming from your clothes when they're drying, this could be due to something other than a blocked vent — like burnt wood from an open flame nearby — but if you're sure it's not coming from somewhere else in the house, then there's a good chance that something is wrong with your dryer piping or venting system.

Your clothes aren’t coming out as clean as they used to be

This could be due to a buildup of lint in the dryer itself or on the outside vents themselves, which needs regular cleaning so that air can flow freely through them. Clothes don’t come out as clean when there are too many obstructions in the way of airflow!

Clothing that has shrunk since it was last washed

You may also notice pilling on shirts made from synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon because the heat from the dryer has caused them to shrink at different rates.

You're hearing strange noises from your dryer

If you notice strange sounds coming from inside your dryer when it's running, this could be an indication that there is something blocking the air flow through the vent. It could also mean that there are other problems with the appliance itself — but either way, it's best to have professionals check it out immediately before further damage occurs!

Dryer smells like mildew

Clothes smell like mildew after they've been dried in a drier due to moisture build-up inside of the machine during operation. Moisture build-up happens when there isn't enough airflow through your vents so it's important that they're cleaned regularly so that this doesn't happen! Ductgurus.com is a comprehensive full-service Duct Cleaning and Air Duct Repair Company that provides duct cleaning, air duct cleaning, dryer vent cleaning and dryer vent repair to customers in the New Jersey area.