How to Clean Your Dryer Vent
Lint that escapes the lint trap collects inside the vent hose and duct that runs from your dryer to the exterior wall. Once enough builds up, it restricts airflow and can ignite and clogged vents are one of the leading causes of house fires in the US.
- cost
- $25 DIY · $100–$200 pro
- time
- 30 minutes
- frequency
- Once a year
- difficulty
- Easy
- diy or pro
- DIY
Why it matters
The US Fire Administration attributes roughly 2,900 home dryer fires per year, with failure to clean the vent the #1 cause. Even short of a fire, a clogged vent can double your dryer's run time and burn out the heating element years early.
Warning signs you're overdue
- Clothes still damp after a full cycle
- Dryer feels unusually hot to the touch
- Burning or musty smell during a cycle
- The outside vent flap barely moves when the dryer is running
- It's been more than 12 months since the last cleaning
What you'll need
- A dryer vent brush kit (~$25 at any hardware store) — a long flexible brush that attaches to a cordless drill
- A vacuum with hose attachment
- 30 minutes
Step-by-step
- Unplug the dryer (or shut off the gas valve and disconnect the gas line if it's a gas dryer — easier to call a pro for gas).
- Pull the dryer away from the wall and disconnect the flexible vent hose from the back of the dryer.
- Vacuum out the back of the dryer and the area behind it. You'll be amazed.
- Push the brush through the wall duct from the back-of-dryer side, in 12-inch increments, twisting as you go. Pull out lint each time.
- Go outside and remove the exterior vent cover. Push the brush in from that side as well to meet in the middle.
- Reconnect everything and run the dryer empty on the air-dry setting for 10 minutes to blow loose lint clear.
When to call a pro
If your vent run is longer than ~25 feet, has multiple bends, exits through the roof, or you have a gas dryer, hire a vent-cleaning specialist (typically $100–$200). They have segmented rods that can navigate long runs and roof exits safely.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean my dryer vent?
At least once a year. Households that do more than 4 loads a week, have pets that shed, or have a long vent run (over 15 feet with bends) should clean every 6 months.
What are the signs my dryer vent is clogged?
Clothes taking two cycles to dry, the dryer feeling unusually hot, a burning smell, or the outside vent flap barely moving when the dryer is on are all signs you're overdue.
Can I clean a dryer vent myself?
Yes — a $25 brush-and-drill kit handles most straight, short vents in 30 minutes. Long runs, multi-story exits, or gas dryers are worth hiring out.
Is cleaning the lint trap the same as cleaning the vent?
No. The lint trap catches some lint, but a meaningful amount escapes past it and accumulates in the duct between your dryer and the outside wall. That duct is what causes fires.
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