Keeping your dryer vent clean isn’t just about faster drying, it’s about safety, lower energy bills, and a longer-lasting dryer. Here’s a simple, no-fluff guide you can follow.
TL;DR
- Most homes: Clean the dryer vent every 12 months.
- Heavy use (large family, daily loads, towels/pet bedding): Every 3–6 months.
- If you notice slow drying, heat, or a burning smell: Clean it now (don’t wait).
Recommended Cleaning Schedule
| Household / Setup | How Often |
|---|---|
| 1–2 people, light laundry use | Every 12–18 months |
| 3–4 people, regular use | Every 12 months |
| 5+ people / daily loads | Every 6 months |
| Lots of towels, pet blankets, or heavy fabrics | Every 3–6 months |
| Long or complex vent runs (multiple bends / roof exit) | Every 6–12 months |
| Apartments/condos with shared/long ducts | Every 6–12 months (or building policy) |
| Vacation homes / occasional use | Every 1–2 years (inspect yearly) |
Why the difference? More loads = more lint. Long or bendy ducts trap lint faster. Pet hair and heavy fabrics shed more fibers.
Why Dryer Vent Cleaning Matters
- Safety: Lint is highly flammable. A clear vent reduces fire risk.
- Performance: Clothes dry faster with strong airflow.
- Lower Bills: Shorter cycles = less electricity or gas used.
- Appliance Life: Less heat stress on parts (heating element, motor, thermal fuse).
- Better Fabric Care: Lower heat time helps prevent shrinkage and wear.
8 Signs You Need a Dryer Vent Cleaning Now
- Loads take longer than one cycle to dry
- Hot laundry room or dryer exterior feels very hot
- Burning, musty, or linty smell during a cycle
- Lint piling up around the lint screen or door gasket
- Exterior vent hood flap doesn’t open fully while drying
- Weak airflow outside when the dryer runs
- Dryer shuts off early or shows error codes/overheat
- Noticeable increase in energy bills without other changes
imple Maintenance Routine
After Every Load
- Clean the lint screen.
Monthly (or every 10–12 loads)
- Vacuum around the lint trap opening and behind/under the dryer (dust + lint).
Every 3 Months
- Wash the lint screen with warm, soapy water and a soft brush to remove residue.
- Check the exterior vent hood; clear lint, leaves, nests.
Every 6–12 Months (Full Vent)
- Disconnect the dryer (unplug; shut off gas if gas dryer).
- Inspect the vent duct. Prefer rigid or semi-rigid metal (avoid plastic/foil).
- Use a rotary brush kit from the inside out to remove lint buildup.
- Re-seal joints with foil tape (not screws into the airflow path).
- Run the dryer and confirm strong airflow at the exterior hood.
If your vent goes through the roof, has many bends, or you’re not comfortable doing this—hire a pro.
DIY vs. Professional Cleaning
DIY is fine when:
- The vent run is short and straight to an exterior wall
- You’re comfortable moving the dryer and using basic tools
- You can safely reach both ends (inside + exterior)
Hire a pro when:
- The vent runs long distance, upward, or through multiple bends
- The exit is on the roof or hard to access
- You have recurring clogs, bird/rodent screens, or a burning smell
- You want a thorough inspection (leaks, crushed ducts, unsafe materials)
What a pro typically does:
- Inspect vent layout and materials (recommend rigid/semi-rigid metal)
- Brush/vacuum from both ends for full lint removal
- Clean/repair the exterior vent hood (ensure the damper opens freely)
- Reseat and foil-tape joints (no screws into airflow)
- Verify airflow and safe operation
Special Cases & Tips
- Gas dryers: A blocked vent can cause exhaust back-up. Keep vents clear for safe operation.
- Apartments/Condos: Follow building guidelines; shared ducts usually need more frequent cleanings.
- Pet homes: Pre-shake pet bedding; clean the lint screen more often.
- Salons/Airbnbs/Gyms: High lint loads = quarterly vent cleaning.
- Avoid plastic or flimsy foil ducts; they crush easily and trap lint.
Quick Self-Check (2 Minutes)
- Start the dryer on high heat.
- Go outside and check the vent hood:
- Is the flap fully open?
- Is airflow strong against your hand?
- Any lint clumps around the hood?
- If weak airflow or visible buildup → schedule a cleaning.
Want a fast, safe, and thorough clean? Book a professional dryer vent cleaning and get your airflow back today.