Why does a dryer vent need cleaning?
The lint screen catches most lint, not all of it. The rest travels into the vent line and settles in the duct and the outside hood. As it builds up, airflow drops, so the dryer runs longer and hotter to dry the same load.
Lint is flammable. NFPA reports that failure to clean is the leading factor in home clothes dryer fires, which is why a clear vent matters as much as a clean lint screen.
What are the signs of a clogged dryer vent?
- Clothes take longer to dry than they used to, or need a second cycle.
- The dryer or the laundry room feels hot.
- You notice a burning smell when the dryer runs.
- Lint collects around the outside vent hood.
- The flap on the outside hood does not open when the dryer runs.
- The vent run is long, has several bends, or uses flexible foil or plastic duct.
Our guide to a slow dryer walks through simple checks you can do at home first.
What happens during a visit?
We look at the run from the dryer to the outside, clean the vent line and the exterior hood, and tell you what we found.
What is different about Minnesota winters?
Outside hoods face snow, ice and wind. Snow can drift over a hood, ice can glaze its flap shut, and lint that would normally blow clear can freeze in place. In spring and summer, nests and cottonwood fluff can collect in the hood instead.
It is worth a quick look at the outside hood every few weeks in winter. Our guide on venting a dryer indoors in winter explains why moving the exhaust inside is not a fix.
What can you do between cleanings?
- Clean the lint screen after every load.
- Keep the area around the dryer clear of clutter and anything that can burn.
- Check that the outside flap opens when the dryer runs.
- Do not run the dryer when you leave home or go to bed.
- Follow the dryer manufacturer’s manual, and use the duct type it calls for.
If you smell gas or see damaged wiring, stop using the dryer and contact your gas utility or a licensed professional. We do not do gas or electrical work.
Common questions
How often should a dryer vent be cleaned?
There is no single schedule. The right interval depends on how much you use the dryer, how many people live in the home and how long the vent run is. Watch for the warning signs and follow the dryer manual.
Do you clean gas dryer vents too?
Yes. Lint builds up in gas dryer vents as well. A gas dryer also vents combustion gases through the same duct, so a blocked vent matters even more. Work on the gas line itself belongs to a licensed professional.
Is a foil or plastic dryer duct safe?
Flexible plastic or foil ducts can sag, crush easily and trap lint in their ridges. Check your dryer manual for the duct type it calls for, and ask a licensed professional if you are unsure what suits your setup.
Can I clean my dryer vent myself?
You can clean the lint screen and the parts of the vent you can reach safely. Long runs, roof exits and ducts with several turns are harder to clear fully, so lint may remain out of reach.
How much does dryer vent cleaning cost?
Pricing depends on the home and the vent run, and is quoted per job. Tell us about the dryer, the length of the run and where it exits, and we will quote it.