Will ridges flatten if we place weight on them and ventilate?

Q: We installed prefinished hardwood in a bedroom 1 1/2 years ago. The tenants ducted the dryer exhaust from the laundry across the subfloor and joists below, and never checked the vent, which became plugged with lint. We now have a section of floor which the 3/4 inch thick X 2.75 inch wide boards have swollen and bulged upwards, forming ridges.

Will these ridges settle if we place weight upon them and ventilate the area below? We have spare replacement lengths to repair the whole area, but prefer to delay that if possible.

A: Ventilating is a good idea. I have seen such floors flatten. Give it a month or 2 and see if it does.