How Often Should You Clean Your Dryer Vent?

Once a year is the rule — more if you dry frequently. Here is why it is the single most important dryer task.

By Colton ReyesAugust 20, 20253 min read read

Written by Wade Holbrook, Lead Technician — True Fix Dallas. Factory-trained, EPA-certified, 9 years servicing Dallas–Fort Worth.

Dryer vent cleaning is the most overlooked safety task in the home. Clogged vents cause thousands of fires a year.

The Annual Rule

Lint accumulates in the duct no matter how clean your lint screen is.

Fix: Clean the full vent run at least once a year; twice if you run several loads a week.

Long dry times, a hot dryer top, and a burning smell all signal a blocked vent.

Fix: If you notice these, clean the vent before the next load.

A brush kit handles short, straight runs; long or rooftop runs need a pro.

Fix: Replace any plastic accordion duct with rigid metal while you are at it.

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