How Often Should You Really Clean Your Dryer Vent?

First Things First: What Is a Dryer Vent, Anyway?

Your dryer vent is the part that pushes hot, moist air from your dryer to the outside of your home. It may not look like much, but when it gets clogged with lint, dust, or debris, that airflow gets blocked.

Let’s take a closer look at how often you should actually be cleaning it and why doing it regularly makes a big difference (especially in climates like ours here in Southern New Hampshire).

Why Cleaning Your Dryer Vent Matters More Than You Think

More than just being annoying, lint buildup in your dryer vent can be dangerous. According to the NFPA, dryers are involved in 92% of the ~15,970 annual home fires linked to laundry machines, and failure to clean vents contributes to about one-third of those incidents. Besides this, the frequency with which you clean your dryer vent contributes to the following:

Prevents House Fires
Lint buildup is highly flammable, and blocked dryer vents are a leading cause of house fires. A simple yearly cleaning can significantly reduce the risk.

Improves Dryer Efficiency
A clogged vent forces your dryer to work harder, making clothes take longer to dry. This not only wastes time but also drives up your energy bills.

Extends Dryer Lifespan
Excess heat and strain from restricted airflow cause your dryer to wear out faster. Regular maintenance helps avoid premature breakdowns and costly repairs.

Keeps Moisture and Mold Out
When moist air can’t escape, it may seep back into your home—especially during cold New England winters—creating ideal conditions for mold and mildew.

So, How Often Should You Clean Your Dryer Vent?

If you’re wondering how often this really needs to be done, you’re not alone.

General Rule of Thumb

For most households, the minimum recommended schedule for dryer vent cleaning is once a year. That’s often enough to prevent dangerous lint buildup, keep your dryer running efficiently, and avoid unnecessary wear and tear.

But You Might Need to Clean It More Often If…

Some homes need more frequent cleanings—every 6 to 9 months—depending on how much laundry you do and a few other factors. If any of these sound like you, consider bumping up the frequency:

• 
  👕 You do laundry nearly every day (big family or shared laundry)
• 🐾 You have pets that shed (pet hair adds to lint buildup)
• 🧺 You regularly use fabric softener or dryer sheets (they leave residue)
• 🔧 Your dryer is more than 8–10 years old
• 🌀 Your vent hose is long, has lots of turns, or exits through the roof
  
  

Honestly, we know it’s a lot to keep track of and most of these things aren’t visible without pulling your dryer out or climbing into the attic.

That’s why so many homeowners choose to call in a professional. It’s one less thing on your to-do list and you’ll know for sure that everything’s up to code, running safely, and not putting your home at risk. That’s the difference professional cleaning can make. 

If you’re not sure whether your dryer vent is due for a cleaning, feel free to contact us. We're happy to help assess your needs.

How to Tell If Your Dryer Vent Needs Cleaning

Not everyone can tell if it’s time to clean their dryer vent, and that’s okay. These common signs are your dryer’s way of trying to tell you something’s wrong:

• Clothes take longer than usual to dry – This often means air isn’t flowing properly due to a clogged vent.
  
  
• Dryer feels hot to the touch – Excess heat can signal restricted airflow, which makes your appliance work harder than it should.
  
  
• A burning smell while drying – Lint is highly flammable; if you notice a burning odor, stop using the dryer and check the vent immediately.
  
  
• Lint is building up around the vent opening – Visible lint outside the vent can be a warning sign of a deeper clog.
  
  
• It’s been over a year since your last cleaning – Even without symptoms, regular cleanings are recommended at least annually to reduce fire risk.

💡Pro tip:  If you’ve noticed any of these, it’s time.

Can I Clean It Myself? Or Should I Call a Professional?

While it’s definitely possible to handle some aspects of dryer vent maintenance yourself, most homeowners don’t have access to the tools or visibility to do a complete job. When lint builds up deep inside walls or in hard-to-reach bends, even a thorough DIY attempt might miss critical areas without you noticing it until it is too late. 

Below is a quick look at what you can expect from a DIY clean versus calling in a professional:

Need Help? Durling Cleaning Has You Covered

Keeping up with dryer vent maintenance can feel like just another thing on your already full to-do list, especially when the signs aren’t always obvious or easy to check. That’s where we come in. At Durling Cleaning, we’ve helped dozens of families and businesses throughout Southern New Hampshire and beyond stay safe, efficient, and worry-free with professional dryer vent cleaning.

Our friendly technicians show up on time, do the job right, and leave your space as clean as they found it. Whether it’s been over a year since your last cleaning or you’re just not sure where to start, we’re here to make it simple. Book online or give us a call, and we’ll handle the rest.

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