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.

What Happens If You Don’t Clean Dryer Vents?

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. 

How Often To Clean Dryer Vents

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.

How To Know When To Clean Dryer Vents

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

• Your laundry is taking longer than usual to dry
• Clothes are hotter than normal at the end of the dry cycle
• The dryer itself is becoming hotter to the touch than normal
• There’s a burning smell coming from your laundry area
• Lint buildup is visible around the lint trap or vent opening
• Clothes are covered in lint after the dry cycle
• Your laundry area feels more humid than usual
• Birds or other small wildlife have build nests in or around the exhaust vent

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

What You Need

• Vacuum cleaner or shop vacuum with hose attachment
• Dryer vent cleaning kit (optional)

How To Clean 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.

Step 1: Inspect And Disconnect

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. 

Step 2: Clean All Vent Sites

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. 

Step 3: Reconnect And Test

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.

How To Prevent Dryer Vent Buildup

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

• Clear your lint trap after each load of laundry
• Regularly sweep and dust the area around your dryer
• Periodically remove the lint screen and vacuum the lint trap housing using a hose attachment
• Periodically wash the lint screen with warm, soapy water to remove built-up dryer sheet residue
• Avoid overloading your washer
• Avoid washing clothes on longer or higher water settings than needed

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