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How often to clean a dryer vent

Clean the lint filter before or after every load, and clean the vent duct from the dryer to the outside about once a year. Do it sooner if clothes take longer to dry, the dryer or laundry room gets hot, or the outside flap barely opens. The U.S. Fire Administration says failure to clean is the leading factor in home dryer fires.

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How often to clean a dryer vent

Checklist

  • Clean the lint filterEvery load
  • Wash the lint screen with soap and water (dryer sheet residue clogs it)Every few months
  • Check the outside vent flap opens when the dryer runsEvery few months
  • Clean the vent duct from the dryer to the outsideYearly
  • Replace crushed or plastic foil duct with rigid or semi-rigid metalWhen you see it
  • Have a gas dryer inspected by a proYearly

Get reminders for these automatically: upnextmaint.com/get

Signs your dryer vent is clogged

Clothes need two cycles to dry. The outside of the dryer is hot to the touch. The laundry room feels humid or smells like something is burning. Lint collects around the outside vent, or the flap does not open while the dryer runs. Any of these means it is time to clean the duct, not just the filter.

How to clean the duct yourself

Unplug the dryer (and shut off the gas for a gas dryer). Pull it out and disconnect the duct from the back. Vacuum the dryer outlet and both ends of the duct, then run a dryer vent brush through the duct from inside and from the outside vent. Reconnect it, make sure it is not kinked or crushed behind the dryer, and run the dryer briefly to confirm the outside flap opens.

Long duct runs, runs through an attic, or a roof vent are harder to do well. Hiring a vent cleaning service once a year is common for those.

What you'll need

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Questions

How often should a dryer vent be cleaned?

About once a year for most homes. Large families, long duct runs, or pets can mean twice a year. Clean the lint filter every load no matter what.

Can a clogged dryer vent cause a fire?

Yes. Lint is very flammable, and the U.S. Fire Administration says failure to clean is the leading factor in home clothes dryer fires.

Can I clean my dryer vent myself?

Usually, with a vent brush kit and a vacuum. Hire a pro for long runs, attic or roof vents, or if you find a nest or damaged duct.

Sources

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General guidance for typical homes. Follow your equipment manufacturer's instructions and local codes, and hire a pro for anything you're not comfortable doing.