Short answer: at least once a year for most homes. Clean it every 6 to 12 months if you do laundry every day, have pets, or have a long vent run, which includes most condos. Clean it right away if clothes take longer to dry, the dryer gets very hot, or you smell burning.
Cleaning schedule by household
- One or two people, short vent: once a year.
- Family with children: every 6 to 12 months.
- Homes with pets: every 6 to 12 months, because pet hair adds to lint.
- Condos and long or bent vent runs: every 6 to 12 months.
- Rental units: between tenants, and at least once a year.
Lint screen vs dryer vent
The lint screen inside the dryer catches most lint and should be cleaned after every load. The dryer vent is the duct that carries hot, damp air from the back of the dryer to the outside. Lint that slips past the screen builds up inside the vent, especially at bends and in long runs. Cleaning the screen does not clean the vent, and both matter.
Signs it needs cleaning now
- Clothes still damp after a full cycle
- The dryer, clothes or laundry room get unusually hot
- A burning or musty smell
- Lint around the door seal or behind the dryer
- The outside flap barely opens when the dryer runs
What affects how fast a vent clogs
- Length: longer runs give lint more places to settle.
- Bends: every elbow slows airflow and collects lint.
- Duct material: ribbed foil and plastic catch more lint than smooth metal.
- Laundry volume: more loads mean more lint.
- Fabric types: towels and fleece shed more lint than synthetics.
Frequently asked questions
Can I clean my dryer vent myself?
You can clean the lint screen, vacuum behind the dryer and clean the first part of the duct with a dryer vent brush kit. Long runs and condo vents are much harder to clean fully without professional equipment.
How long does professional dryer vent cleaning take?
Usually under an hour for a standard house. Long condo runs take longer.
Does a clogged vent make my dryer use more energy?
Yes. A blocked vent makes each load take longer, so the dryer runs more.
Should I clean the vent when I buy a new dryer?
Yes, if it has not been cleaned in the past year. A new dryer on a clogged vent still struggles.
Is dryer vent cleaning part of duct cleaning?
It is a separate job, but many people book both together. See dryer vent cleaning and air duct cleaning.
Need your dryer vent cleaned in Richmond Hill, Aurora, Newmarket, Vaughan or Toronto? Call UltiClean at 647-676-0576.
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