A clogged vent is one of those issues that sneaks up on you. At first, it’s just longer dry times. Then suddenly you’re running two or three cycles and wondering why your clothes are still damp.
The upside is, cleaning your own dryer vent is a job you can handle yourself with a few basic tools and about 30 minutes. Before you grab a brush, it’s worth understanding why this matters.
Why you should regularly clean your dryer vents
A blocked dryer vent isn’t just inconvenient—it’s a safety issue.
Lint is highly flammable, and when it builds up in the vent, it traps heat with nowhere to go. That combination is one of the more common causes of house fires.
Even if you never run into that worst-case scenario, a blocked vent still creates problems. Your dryer has to work harder every cycle, which drives up energy costs and wears the machine down faster than it should.
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How to tell if your vents need cleaning
You don’t need to guess. Your dryer will give you a few clear signals:
- Clothes take more than one cycle to dry
- The outside of the dryer feels unusually hot
- The laundry room smells warm or slightly burnt during a cycle
- The exterior vent hood shows little airflow when the dryer is running
- It’s been over a year since the last clean
What you’ll need to clean your dryer vents
Nothing fancy here. Most homes already have what’s required:
- A vent cleaning brush kit
- A vacuum with a hose attachment
- A screwdriver
- A step stool, if your vent exits up high
How to clean your dryer vents
Once you have everything ready, follow these steps:
- Unplug the dryer first. If you have a gas dryer, also shut off the gas valve before moving it.
- Pull the dryer away from the wall. Give yourself enough space to comfortably access the vent hose.
- Disconnect the vent hose. Loosen the clamp or connector and detach the hose from the dryer and the wall.
- Vacuum out the lint. Use the hose attachment to clear out the dryer exhaust and wall opening. There’s usually more buildup than you expect.
- Run the brush through the duct. Feed the brush through the full length of the hose and duct, twisting as you go to loosen debris. Pull it out and vacuum again.
- Check the exterior vent. Head outside and clear any lint or debris from the vent hood—blockages often build up there.
- Reconnect everything. Attach the hose, move the dryer back, and plug it in.
- Run a test cycle. A quick empty cycle will confirm airflow is back to normal.
When it makes sense to call a pro
DIY works well for most homes. But there are cases where it’s easier and safer to bring in expert help. Consider calling a professional if:
- Your vent run is long, has multiple bends, or exits through the roof
- It hasn’t been cleaned in years and buildup is heavy
- You’re still seeing issues after a basic clean
- You’d rather not deal with moving the dryer and handling it yourself
A professional cleaner can reach deeper into the system and handle more complex setups. If your vent isn’t a simple, straight run, it’s often worth it.
Cleaning your dryer vent improves safety, lowers energy use, and helps your dryer last longer. For something that takes less than an hour, it’s an easy way to avoid bigger problems later on.
Aim to do it once a year, or sooner if your dryer starts showing signs.
Frequently asked questions about dryer vent cleaning
How often should I clean my dryer vent?
Once a year is a good general rule. If you do a lot of laundry or have a long vent run, every 6 months is safer.
Is it dangerous to clean my own dryer vent?
Not if you unplug the dryer first and, for gas dryers, shut off the gas valve before moving it. The job is low risk as long as you take that precaution.
Why does my dryer take so long to dry clothes?
A clogged vent is one of the most common reasons. Reduced airflow means heat and moisture have nowhere to go, so cycles run longer than they should.
Can a clogged dryer vent cause a fire?
Yes. Lint buildup is highly flammable, and a blocked vent traps heat with nowhere to escape. It's one of the more common causes of house fires, which is why regular cleaning matters.
Do I need special tools to clean a dryer vent?
A basic vent cleaning brush kit and a vacuum with a hose attachment cover most homes. Both are inexpensive and easy to find at any hardware store.
