Here’s How Often To Clean Dryer Vents And How To Do It

After tackling multiple loads of laundry, cleaning the washing machine and dryer is likely the last chore you want to take on. However, keeping these appliances in mint condition is the secret to maximizing the longevity of your clothing, linens, and other washable household items. Ensuring dryer vents remain clean and unblocked by lint is especially important, and not just for retaining the quality of your laundry. If you're a fish out of water when it comes to dryer cleaning and maintenance, don't fret—we're breaking down exactly what to do to keep your laundry appliance running smoothly and safely, and how often to clean dryer vents to avoid any potential problems.

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According to Dryer Vent HQ, dryer vents are responsible for how effective your appliance is. When a vent is blocked because it's full of lint, the dryer has to run for several cycles to fully dry clothes, linens, and other items. If you have multiple loads of laundry to wash and dry, you want your dryer working as efficiently as possible so you can finish your laundry as quickly as possible. Plus, a clogged dryer vent is actually a fire hazard.

The U.S. Fire Administration reports that the leading cause of dryer fires in America is failure to clean the appliance often enough. The organization notes that these fires mostly happen in the winter months, so it’s especially important to know how often to clean dryer vents and how to ensure the mechanism is clear during this time of year.

Window Ninjas, a home care service provider based in Richmond, Virginia, advises most people to have their dryer vent cleaned every year. If you have a large family or multiple pets, the company recommends having it cleaned more often, about every six to nine months.

There are several signs that signal your dryer vent is due for a thorough cleaning:

If you notice any of these signs, don't put off cleaning your dryer vent.

Now you know how often to clean dryer vents and some of the hazardous signs to keep an eye out for, but what about how to actually clean them? It may be worth seeking professional help for this task to ensure that your dryer vent is properly cleaned. However, you can take on this chore yourself if you know how to do so properly.

Cleaning your dryer vent is a relatively simple process. First, inspect the vent and the area around it to ensure it’s not damaged, restricted, or blocked by animal nests. From there, unplug the dryer and disconnect the dryer duct. Those with gas dryers will need to also turn off the supply valve until the cleaning process is over.

Use a vacuum cleaner or shop vacuum to clear any lint and other debris out of the vent hole at the back of the dryer. The air that's sucked into the dryer enters through the vent hole, which is an easy spot to overlook but is a notable lint buildup area. If your dryer vent is too long to remove debris with a vacuum, you can also use a dryer vent cleaning kit equipped with a special brush that offers a more thorough clean.

Once you’ve finished cleaning, it’s time to reconnect the dryer vent duct. Push the dryer back in place and either plug the dryer back in or turn on the gas safety valve. You’ll want to test out your dryer’s efficiency and cleanliness by running it on the “fluff” or “air dry” setting for 15 to 20 minutes before tossing in a load of freshly washed laundry.

There are several steps you can take to promote the cleanliness and efficiency of your dryer in between vent cleanings:

Avoiding these common mistakes will help ensure the efficiency and safety of your appliance for as long as possible.

Sander, Alwin. Understanding your home's dryer vent system: What does it actually do? Dryer Vent HQ. Updated November 24, 2022.

U.S. Fire Administration. Appliance and electrical fire safety.

U.S. Fire Administration. Clothes dryer fires in residential buildings (2008-2010).

Window Ninjas. Dryer vent cleaning Richmond | What is a dryer vent cleaning? Updated January 26, 2023.