How Often Should You Clean Your Dryer Vent (and Signs You Need a Professional)

Fortunately, staying on top of cleaning out your dryer vent is relatively simple. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the ins and outs of cleaning out your vent—including how often to clean dryer vents, step-by-step instructions for how to clean your dryer vent on your own, and the warning signs it’s time to call in the Pros.

Why is cleaning out your vent so important?

Every time you dry a load of laundry, tiny bits of lint, fabric, and debris travel through your dryer vent. Over time, this buildup can pose serious risks:

• Fire hazards: Lint is highly flammable, and a clogged vent can cause heat to become trapped. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, failure to clean out your dryer vent is the leading cause of laundry fires.
• Blockages: A blocked vent forces your dryer to work overtime, using more energy and driving up your utility bills. It can also extend dryer times, turning that 45-minute dry cycle into a seemingly endless affair.
• Appliance damage: Restricted airflow can cause chaos on your dryer’s internal components, leading to premature wear and costly repairs. 

Regularly cleaning out your vent is a small investment that pays off big time in terms of safety, efficiency, and peace of mind. 

How often should you clean your dryer vent? 

A general guideline for most households is to clean out your dryer vent at least once a year. However, there are a few reasons why you may want to clean it more frequently:

• Larger families who do multiple loads of laundry per day
• Homes with pets that shed lots of fur
• Households that dry a lot of lint-producing fabrics, like towels and bedding
• Dryer vents that are longer than average or have multiple bends

As a rule of thumb, if you notice your clothes take longer to dry or your laundry room is feeling unusually hot and stuffy, it’s a sign to give your dryer vent a good cleaning.

How to clean your dryer vent

1. Ready to tackle this chore yourself? Gather up a few basic supplies— a vacuum cleaner, a dryer vent brush, and maybe a willing helper—and follow these simple steps:
2. Carefully pull your dryer away from the wall and disconnect the vent pipe.
3. Use your vacuum’s hose attachment to suck up any visible lint buildup. 
4. Insert a dryer vent brush into the pipe to dislodge any stubborn deposits.
5. Step outside and clean the exterior vent opening, too.
6. Securely reattach the components and push the dryer back into place.
7. Run an empty cycle to ensure proper airflow and function.

Easy, right? Just be sure to follow all manufacturer guidelines and safety precautions along the way. And if you ever feel uncomfortable or the job seems too daunting, don’t hesitate to call in a professional.

When to call in the Pros

While DIY dryer vent cleaning is doable for most homeowners, there are specific scenarios where it’s best to bring in a professional HVAC technician:

• Your vent is on the roof or otherwise hard to access
• You’ve noticed any of the fire, efficiency, or damage warning signs
• It’s been several years since somebody last cleaned the vent 
• Your vent system is especially long or complex.

A qualified HVAC technician will have the right tools and expertise to take on even the toughest lint buildup. Plus, they can identify any underlying issues that may be affecting your dryer’s performance. So, if you’re dealing with endless dry times or a burning smell, don’t wait—call in the reinforcements as soon as you’re able to get your dryer back in working order.

From lint to life saver with AHS

Regular dryer vent cleaning isn’t just a small maintenance task; it’s a smart move for a safer, more efficient home. By making it part of your routine, you’re helping prevent fire risks, lower energy costs, and extend the life of your dryer. But when it comes to the unexpected, AHS has you covered beyond the lint trap.

An American Home Shield home warranty protects you from sudden repairs and breakdowns across your home’s major systems and appliances. So, while you handle the little things, let us take care of the big ones. Don’t worry, be warranty.

AHS assumes no responsibility, and specifically disclaims all liability, for your use of any and all information contained herein.