Dryer Vent Cleaning
A dryer moves hot, lint-laden air through a duct to the outside. When lint builds up in that duct, the dryer works harder and runs hotter.
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Why dryer vents need cleaning
The lint screen catches most lint, not all of it. The rest travels into the duct and settles at bends, joints and the outdoor hood. Over time it narrows the duct. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission notes that lint can block airflow and cause heat to build up, which can lead to a fire in some dryers. The U.S. Fire Administration says your risk is higher if you do not clean the lint filter and dryer vents.
A restricted vent also costs time and energy. When air cannot leave freely, each load runs longer, and the dryer's parts work harder. Some people discover a blocked vent only because the dryer starts shutting off on its own or a high-temperature safety device trips.
Signs the vent is restricted
- Loads take longer to dry or come out damp after a normal cycle
- The dryer or laundry room feels unusually hot
- Little or no air comes out of the outdoor vent while the dryer runs
- The outdoor flap stays shut or is clogged with lint
- Lint collects around the dryer or the outdoor hood
- A burning smell when the dryer runs
Burning smell or smoke? Turn the dryer off. If there is smoke or fire, leave the house and call 911.
Long runs, roof vents and wall vents
| Setup | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Short run straight out a wall | Easiest to clean and maintain. Lint mostly gathers at the hood and the connector behind the dryer. |
| Long run with several bends | Each bend slows the air and catches lint. Dryer manuals set limits on length and number of elbows. |
| Roof termination | Lint has to travel up, and roof caps often have screens or flaps that clog. Access needs a safe roof. |
| Vent through a crawl space or attic | Hidden joints can separate and leak lint and moist air into the space. |
How we assess it
Every visit starts with an assessment. We look at the connector behind the dryer, trace the duct route as far as it is accessible, check the outdoor termination, and note the duct material and any crushed or disconnected sections. We check the attic or roof only when safe and accessible. You get our findings with photos before any repair is scheduled.
Before we start, we ask a few questions. How long does a load take now? Have you noticed heat or lint around the dryer? Where does the vent exit? Has the dryer been moved recently? The answers often point to where the restriction is.
What cleaning includes
- Disconnect the dryerPull the dryer out carefully and disconnect the transition duct.
- Clean the full runBrush and vacuum the duct from inside and outside, working lint toward collection.
- Clear the terminationClean the outdoor hood or roof cap and check the flap moves freely.
- Reconnect and testReconnect the dryer and check for airflow at the outside vent.
Duct materials
The CPSC recommends replacing plastic or foil accordion ducting with rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct. Plastic and foil sag, kink and trap lint more easily. If we find plastic or foil, crushed sections or screws through the duct that catch lint, we will show you and explain the replacement options. Your dryer's manual sets the allowed materials and lengths.
The outdoor hood matters too. A hood with a screen catches lint and blocks quickly. A damper flap that sticks shut traps moisture and lint. A hood that sits too close to the ground can be blocked by snow, mulch or plants.
Habits that help between cleanings
- Clean the lint screen before or after every load, and do not run the dryer without it.
- Every few months, wash the lint screen with warm soapy water if dryer sheets leave a film on it.
- Keep the area behind and around the dryer clear of lint, boxes and clothing.
- When the dryer is running, step outside and check that air is coming out of the vent hood.
- Avoid pushing the dryer tight against the wall, which can crush the transition duct.
- Do not leave the dryer running when you leave the house or go to sleep.
Limitations
Cleaning removes lint. It does not fix a run that is too long, a crushed section in a wall, or a roof cap the wrong type for dryer exhaust. Parts of a duct hidden in finished walls cannot always be seen. Dryer repairs, such as heating elements and sensors, are for an appliance technician. Gas dryers also have a gas connection that we do not alter.
Between cleanings, clean the lint screen before or after every load, as both the CPSC and USFA recommend.
Next step
Request dryer vent cleaning. Tell us where the vent exits, wall or roof, if you know. A team member will contact you to confirm a time.
Questions homeowners ask
How often should a dryer vent be cleaned?
It depends on how much laundry you do and the length of the run. Watch for longer drying times and weak airflow outside, and have it cleaned when those appear or as part of regular upkeep.
Is the foil duct behind my dryer okay?
The CPSC recommends rigid or semi-rigid metal duct instead of plastic or foil, which sag and trap lint more easily.
Does a gas dryer need vent cleaning too?
Yes. Gas dryers also produce lint, and their exhaust must leave the house.
Can I clean the vent myself?
You can clean the lint screen and the outdoor hood. Long or roof runs are harder to clean fully without the right tools and access.
Why does my dryer vent go through the roof?
Usually because the laundry is far from an exterior wall. Roof vents work but need a cap designed for dryer exhaust, with no screen to catch lint, and they are harder to clean.
Tell us what you're seeing
Send a short description and a photo if you can. A team member will contact you to confirm a time.