How to Clean a Dryer Vent (and Why It Matters)
A lint-clogged dryer vent is more than an efficiency problem — it is the leading cause of dryer fires. Cleaning the full vent run once a year cuts drying times, lowers energy use, and removes a real fire risk. Here is how to do it yourself.
Signs Your Vent Is Clogged
Clothes take more than one cycle to dry, the dryer or clothes are very hot at the end, the laundry room gets humid, or you see lint around the outside vent flap. Many dryers also throw an airflow code (AF, d80) when the vent is restricted.
Clean the Lint Trap and Housing
Beyond cleaning the lint screen every load, vacuum out the lint-trap housing where the screen sits — lint slips past and builds up there. A long flexible vacuum attachment reaches down into the slot.
Disconnect and Clean the Vent Hose
Unplug the dryer (and shut off gas if gas), pull it from the wall, and disconnect the flexible vent hose. Vacuum it out and use a dryer vent brush kit to scrub the hose and the wall duct. Replace crushed or kinked foil hoses with rigid or semi-rigid metal duct.
Clean the Exterior Vent
Go outside to the vent hood and clear lint from the flap and the duct opening. A vent brush on a drill makes quick work of the wall-duct run. Make sure the flap moves freely so it seals when the dryer is off.
Parts & Tools
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FAQ
At least once a year, more often for a large household or a long vent run. Clean the lint screen every load.
Yes. Lint is highly flammable, and a restricted vent causes the dryer to overheat. Dryer vent clogs cause thousands of home fires a year — annual cleaning is important.
Always unplug an appliance and shut off its water supply before servicing. This guide is informational and not a substitute for a qualified technician.