The answer to 'dryer vent cleaning vs' is that dryer vent cleaning and dryer lint trap cleaning are both important tasks for maintaining your home's dryer and preventing fire hazards, but they serve different purposes and have different requirements. Dryer vent cleaning involves removing lint, debris, and blockages from the exterior vent that vents hot air from the dryer to the outside, while lint trap cleaning focuses on removing lint buildup from the removable lint trap inside the dryer.
Dryer vent cleaning is typically recommended to be done annually or as needed if you notice reduced airflow, longer drying times, or visible lint buildup in the exterior vent. This helps ensure proper airflow and reduces the risk of fire. Lint trap cleaning should be done regularly, often after each load of laundry, to prevent lint from building up and restricting airflow, which can also lead to fire hazards.