How often to clean a dryer vent

Many safety organizations recommend professional dryer vent cleaning about once a year for typical households. Homes with long vent runs, frequent laundry loads, pets, or multi-unit shared ducts may need service more often.

Warning signs

• Clothes take longer to dry
• Burning smell or unusually hot dryer exterior
• Lint around the outdoor exhaust hood
• Humidity or heat near the dryer

Restricted airflow increases dryer fire risk. Use DryerSafe Finder to locate local pros, and ask about CDET credentials when relevant.