How often should you clean your dryer vent?

Here's how often you should clean your dryer vents.

Avoid dryer fires and malfunctions by cleaning your dryer vent at least once a year. However, some experts say to do it twice a year (approximately once every six months).

Why it’s important to clean your dryer vent.

Cleaning your dryer vent is an essential way to keep your house safe.

When you don’t clean your dryer vent regularly, lint and debris build up. These byproducts are highly flammable, and they can easily cause a fire in your laundry room.

Additionally, when the dryer vent is blocked, it works harder to dry your clothes. This can burn out the heating element and put additional wear and tear on the machine, shortening its lifespan. Some companies even require homeowners to clean their dryers every year as a condition of the warranty.

Related: Dryer Repair 101: common problems, fixes and who to call.

How do I know if my dryer vent needs cleaning or is clogged? 

Cleaning your dryer vent at least once or twice a year is essential, regardless of whether it seems to need it or not. This keeps your dryer ducts clean and in good working order.

However, there are some signs that a more frequent cleaning schedule is needed: 

• Your clothes take longer to dry than usual.
• You notice a burning smell.
• Your dryer is suddenly hot to the touch.
• You notice a lot of lint buildup.
• There’s more residue than usual in your dryer lint trap.

If you notice any of these signs and don’t want to clean a dryer alone, contact a dryer vent cleaning specialist.

How to clean your dryer vent in 5 steps.

If you're handy and have a few tools, you can easily clean your dryer vent. Check your owner's manual for guidance first, but here are the basic steps you can follow:

Step 1: Collect your tools.

Cleaning your dryer vent requires a few specialized tools, as well as some you probably already have at home. To do a thorough vent cleaning, you’ll need the following: 

• A screwdriver
• A vacuum or a shop vac
• A dryer duct cleaning kit 

These kits come with a variety of flexible brushes that allow you to reach deep into the ductwork, cleaning out lingering lint and debris.

Step 2: Pull your dryer away from the wall and detach all connections.

This is essential to ensure you don’t damage the dryer or harm yourself as you work. Pull your dryer away from the wall so you have space to work, then unplug the power cord from the socket.

If your dryer is gas-powered, turn the valve to shut off the gas. Then, disconnect the large flexible duct hose from the wall. You may need to use your screwdriver if there’s a clamp on the duct. 

Step 3: Remove lint from the duct.

If there's visible lint on either the wall side or the dryer side of the vent opening, remove it with your hands. Then, use your vacuum or shop vac to draw out additional lint. Get in as deep as possible, using the hose or extensions on your vacuum.

Step 4: Clean your vent with dryer brushes.

Once you’ve tackled all the lint that can be removed via vacuum, use your dryer brushes to give the ductwork an even more thorough cleaning. Go gently at first, feeding the long brush into the vent slowly while rotating it so it scrapes the vent clean as you go. 

Step 5: Clean up the mess and reconnect your dryer.

Once you’ve thoroughly cleaned your dryer vent, clean up all the debris you knocked loose. Then, you can reattach the connections, including the dryer vent (adding the clamp back on if you have one) and the power (either electrical or gas valve).

Once your dryer is reconnected, run a quick test load. Select a light setting like fluff or air dry, which can help shake out any remaining debris. 

Don’t want to DIY? Hire a dryer vent cleaning professional.

If this DIY dryer maintenance sounds a bit intimidating, don’t worry. There are lots of pros that can handle this job for you. 

Download the Thumbtack app today, and hire a professional dryer vent cleaner near you.