How Often Should You Clean Your Dryer Vent?

7 Dryer Vent Cleaning Facts You Should Know

1. Lint Screens Do Not Capture 100% of the Lint

It’s a common misconception that cleaning the lint screen is enough. In reality, lint bypasses the trap and builds up inside the ductwork over time. Even with consistent maintenance, some fibers escape and accumulate in the vent pipe.

2. Lint Build-up Reduces Airflow and Stresses Your Dryer

When airflow is restricted, your dryer has to work harder. This not only increases your energy bill but can also shorten the lifespan of your appliance. Overheating due to clogged vents is one of the most common causes of dryer failure.

3. 75% of Homes Are Not Code Compliant

According to recent housing data, a majority of homes have outdated or unsafe dryer vent configurations. Flexible plastic or foil ducts, long vent routes, and improper angles contribute to lint build-up and fire risk.

4. Dryer Fires Are Not Fiction

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that over 15,000 structure fires are caused by clothes dryers or washing machines each year. Dryer fires can lead to property loss, injury, and even fatalities.

5. Proper Dryer Vent Cleaning Methods Are Often Ignored

Vacuuming around the dryer or using store-bought brushes might not be enough. At TexVents, we use high-pressure vacuum equipment and rotary brushes to fully clear out lint and debris.

6. Cleaning Frequencies Vary

The general recommendation is once a year, but several factors can require more frequent cleanings:

• • Family size: Larger households tend to run the dryer more often, which produces more lint. If you’re doing laundry several times per week—or daily—you may need cleaning every 6 to 9 months instead of annually.
    

• • Pet ownership: Homes with pets, especially long-haired breeds, see a significant increase in lint and hair buildup. Pet hair clings to clothes and bedding, and makes its way into the vent system, clogging it faster.
    

• • Dryer location and vent length: The farther your dryer is from an exterior wall, the longer the venting path. Longer vents, particularly those with multiple turns, trap more lint and require more attention.
    

• • Type of dryer and vent material: Older dryers may be less efficient at pushing lint out of the vent. Additionally, flexible plastic or foil ducts catch debris more easily than rigid metal ones, and are often no longer up to code.
    

If you notice performance issues or increased drying time, don’t wait a full year—schedule a cleaning right away.

7. Some Dryer Vents Are More Problematic Than Others

Vertical vents, shared duct systems, or vents that travel long distances through the ceiling are prone to clogging. Older homes and apartments with unconventional routing are at higher risk for dangerous lint accumulation.