How Often Should You Get Your Dryer Vent Cleaned?

Published 8/5/2025

Dryer vents should be cleaned at least once a year. But if you have pets, a bigger household, or run loads of laundry back to back, you may need to schedule cleanings every 5 to 6 months. In those cases, lint builds up quickly and puts more strain on your dryer.

When lint starts clogging the vent, your dryer has to work harder. That leads to longer drying times, hotter clothes, and a higher risk of causing a fire. Knowing the signs of a clogged vent can help you catch problems early. In this guide, we’ll cover how often to clean your dryer vent, what to watch out for, and why it pays to call a trusted professional like Mr. Duct to keep your dryer safe and efficient.

Is Your Dryer Vent Clogged? Here's How to Tell

Homeowners should familiarize themselves with the signs of a clogged or dirty dryer vent. If you notice any of the following, it’s a good sign your vent needs cleaning:

• Longer drying times: If a normal load of laundry is suddenly taking much longer to dry, it's a clear sign of restricted airflow in the dryer vent.
• Musty odors: Some people smell a burning scent when the dryer is running; this is a major red flag. It can be lint overheating and can start to scorch.
• Excessive heat: If you notice the dryer feeling very hot to the touch or if the laundry room is unusually warm, that could signal a blockage.
• Vent hood flap not opening: Go outside and check the dryer vent hood when the dryer is on. If it's not opening, that's a big sign that the airflow is weak.

How Residential Dryer Vents Are Cleaned

Professional dryer vent cleaning services from trusted HVAC companies like Mr. Duct undergo a thorough process. Technicians use high-powered vacuums and specialized brushes to remove lint buildup.

The service will begin with an inspection of the vent system, measurement of air flow, and evaluation of how the vent is clogged. Next, lint and debris will be dislodged from inside the duct, using tools like brush kits or compressed air whips. This is where the vacuum comes into play, where it sucks out the debris.

The entire process is relatively short, usually only taking up to an hour to complete. Only by hiring a professional can you put your mind at ease because of the specialized equipment and careful handling of your dryer vent.

Why You Need to Clean Your Dryer Vent

Many new homeowners overlook dryer vent cleaning, not realizing how critical it is. Ignoring this task can lead to serious hazards and costly problems down the line. A clogged dryer vent poses a major fire risk because lint is extremely flammable.

Restricted air flow in dryer vents causes your appliance to work more and longer to dry your clothes, which in turn increases your energy bills. This type of stress can eventually cause mechanical breakdowns, which turn into expensive repairs. So the next time you spot a warning sign, take proactive steps as soon as possible.

Reduce The Risk of Fire With Dryer Vent Cleaning Services

The most prominent reason to clean your dryer vent is for fire prevention. Lint buildup inside the vent is basically kindling waiting to ignite. Thousands of dryer fires occur every year due to neglecting this type of maintenance.

Regular dryer vent cleaning eliminates this built-up lint, greatly reducing the fire hazard. It’s especially important if your dryer vent is long or has bends, where lint can settle and escape routine lint trap cleaning. Removing the lint restores proper airflow so that heat and exhaust are vented safely outside.

Linty Dryer Vents Can Become Costly

A lint-choked dryer vent can hit your wallet as well as your safety. When a home's dryer vent is clogged, your dryer has to run longer and work harder to dry each load. This added strain can lead to overheating and premature wear on dryer components. Key parts like the heating element or motor may fail under stress, resulting in costly repair bills.

Think of a clogged vent like forcing your dryer to run a marathon every time you do laundry. The dryer’s overworked components will break down faster. You might experience frequent shutdowns or malfunctions that require technician visits. Each service call or part replacement adds to the cost of operating what should be a simple household appliance.

Clean Dryer Vents Can Lead to Lower Energy Bills

Another big advantage of maintaining a clean dryer vent is the energy savings. When your vent is clear, your dryer can run at peak efficiency, drying clothes in one cycle as intended. If the vent is clogged with lint, it impedes hot, damp air from escaping, and your dryer ends up running much longer to get the same job done.

Just how much can a clogged vent affect your bills? It can be significant. One industry study found that an excessively clogged dryer vent might add $18 to $24 a month to your energy costs. Over the course of a year, those savings really add up.

Your Clothes Last Longer With Clean Dryer Vents

Believe it or not, cleaning your dryer vent can extend the life of your wardrobe. When a dryer vent is clogged, the dryer runs hotter and longer than it should. This excess heat and over-drying is tough on fabrics. Clothes can emerge from an overworked dryer extremely hot and overdried, which causes fibers to break down faster, leading to problems like shrinkage, fading of colors, or general wear and tear on the fabric.

You’ll get more use out of each garment because they won’t be consistently overheated or tumbled for double cycles. In the long run, that means you’re not replacing clothes as often due to damage from the dryer.

Schedule Dryer Vent Cleaning Services with Mr. Duct Today

After learning about the safety risks and benefits, it’s clear that professional dryer vent cleaning should be a regular part of your home maintenance routine. Take advantage of our dryer vent cleaning coupon to save on your next service!

Mr. Duct is proud to be a NADCA-certified dryer vent cleaning service provider serving the Chicagoland area. Our trained technicians have the specialized tools and knowledge to thoroughly clean your dryer vent, whether it’s a short straight run or a long duct with many bends.

Schedule a dryer vent cleaning with Mr. Duct today to prevent fires, save on utility costs, and extend the life of your dryer and clothing.