How long has it been since you cleaned your dryer vent duct? Did you know there are 2,900 fires caused by clothes dryers every year in the US? Failure to clean the vent and connecting duct was the cause for 34 percent of those fires. According to the National Fire Data Center, accumulated lint leads to reduced airflow and poses a fire hazard. Reduced airflow can also occur when foam-backed rugs or athletic shoes are placed in dryers. Clothes dryer fires can be prevented by periodic cleaning and visual inspection. Also, by cleaning your dryer vents periodically, your dryer will operate more efficiently, saving you money on your power bill.