How to Clean Dryer Vents

A clogged dryer vent isn’t just an inconvenience – it can shorten the lifespan of your dryer, make drying clothes take longer, increase your energy bill, and even pose a fire hazard. If your clothes are taking too long to dry, feel hot but remain damp, or your laundry room feels unusually warm after using the dryer, it’s time for dryer vent cleaning.

You can clean the dryer vents yourself or call a professional, but either way, regular maintenance is essential for safety and efficiency.

Why you Should Clean Dryer Vents

• Prevents fire hazards – Lint buildup is highly flammable. Cleaning the vent reduces the risk of dryer-related fires.
• Increases dryer efficiency – A clogged vent restricts airflow, forcing the dryer to work harder and take longer to dry clothes.
• Extends the life of your dryer – Overworking the motor due to restricted airflow can lead to breakdowns and expensive repairs.
• Lowers energy bills – A clean vent means your dryer runs more efficiently, using less electricity or gas.
• Prevents musty odors – Trapped lint and moisture can lead to unpleasant smells in your laundry and dryer.

Signs the Dryer Vent is Clogged

• Clothes feel hot but remain damp after a full cycle.
• The dryer takes longer than usual to dry clothes.
• Your laundry room feels warmer than usual when the dryer is running.
• You notice a burning smell when the dryer is in use.
• The exterior vent flap doesn’t open when the dryer is running, indicating blocked airflow.
• Excessive lint buildup around the lint trap or behind the dryer.

What Causes Dryer Vents to Clog?

• Lint buildup – Even if you clean the lint trap regularly, lint still gets past it and accumulates in the vent hose and outside vent.
• Kinked or crushed vent hose – A flexible dryer hose that is bent or compressed can trap lint more easily.
• Animal nests or debris – Outdoor vents can become blocked by bird nests, insects, or other debris.
• Long or complex venting systems – If your dryer vent is long or has multiple bends, it may clog faster than a straight, short vent.

How to Clean Dryer Vents

Before You Begin Cleaning Dryer Vents

• Unplug the dryer – Safety first! If you have a gas dryer, turn off the gas supply as well.
• Wear a dust mask – Lint and dust can become airborne while cleaning.
• Gather your tools:
  • Vacuum cleaner with a hose or crevice attachment (a shop vac is ideal)
  • Dryer vent brush or flexible cleaning tool
  • Screwdriver (if needed to remove vent covers)
  • Lint brush or old toothbrush for small areas
  • Flashlight to check for blockages
  • Duct tape (if needed to secure vent connections after cleaning)

Step 1: Clean the Lint Trap and Inside Vent

• Remove the lint trap from the dryer and clean off any lint by hand.
• Use a vacuum with a crevice attachment to clean inside the lint trap housing, reaching as far down as possible.
• If available, use a lint trap brush to loosen and remove any stuck debris.

Step 2: Clean the Vent Hose and Back of the Dryer

• Move the dryer away from the wall to access the back.
• Detach the flexible vent hose from the dryer and wall vent.
• Shake out any loose lint, then vacuum the inside of the hose.
• Check the hose for damage (cracks, holes, or kinks) and replace if necessary.
• Vacuum behind the dryer, including the floor and walls, to remove accumulated dust and lint.

Step 3: Clean the Exhaust Vent Leading Outside

• Locate the exterior vent outside your home.
• Remove the vent cover if possible.
• Use a dryer vent brush or vacuum hose to remove lint buildup inside the vent pipe.
• If using a brush, insert it and rotate while pushing it in and out to loosen trapped debris.
• Make sure the vent flap opens freely – if it’s stuck or damaged, replace it.

Step 4: Reassemble and Test

• Reconnect the vent hose to the dryer and wall vent.
• Push the dryer back into place, ensuring the hose is not kinked or crushed.
• Plug the dryer back in (and turn the gas back on if applicable).
• Run a test load to ensure proper airflow.
• Go outside and check that the vent flap opens when the dryer is running.

How Often Should you Clean Dryer Vents?

• Lint trap – Clean after every load.
• Vent hose and exterior vent – Clean every 6–12 months (or more often if you notice slow drying times).
• Entire vent system – If you have a long or complex venting system, consider hiring a professional for a deep cleaning every 1–2 years.

Tips for Preventing Dryer Vent Clogs

• Use the right vent hose – A rigid metal duct is less likely to trap lint than a flexible foil or plastic hose.
• Avoid overloading your dryer – Overloading reduces airflow and increases lint buildup.
• Check the outside vent regularly – Make sure it’s free of obstructions like leaves, nests, or snow.
• Limit dryer sheet use – Fabric softener sheets can leave residue that contributes to lint buildup.
• Wash the lint screen occasionally – Soap and fabric softener residue can clog the screen, reducing airflow.

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve cleaned the vents but your dryer still isn’t working efficiently, or if you notice:

• A persistent burning smell when the dryer runs.
• The dryer shuts off mid-cycle due to overheating.
• You cannot access all areas of your dryer vent system.

A professional cleaning service has specialized tools to thoroughly remove lint buildup from long, complex, or hard-to-reach vent systems.

Cleaning dryer vents is a simple but important maintenance task that helps:

• Keep your home safe from fires
• Improve dryer efficiency and lower energy costs
• Extend the lifespan of your dryer

By regularly cleaning the lint trap, vent hose, and outside vent, you’ll keep your dryer running smoothly and efficiently – without the risk of overheating or fire hazards. If you’ve never cleaned your dryer vent before, now is the perfect time to start!