How often to clean a dryer vent
The National Fire Protection Association says to clean lint out of the dryer vent pipe every three months, or to hire a dryer vent cleaning service, and to clean the lint filter before each use.
How to do it
- Unplug the dryer and pull it away from the wall.
- Clean the lint out of the vent pipe and the outside vent hood, or have a vent cleaning service do it.
- Check that the outdoor vent flap opens when the dryer runs.
Unplug the dryer first. A gas dryer should be inspected by a professional once a year, and any gas line work is a job for a professional.
Why it matters
Lint burns easily, and a blocked vent keeps hot, damp air and lint inside the dryer.
Source: National Fire Protection Association, educational messages on clothes dryers.