Dryer Vent Cleaning Frequency

If your clothes are damp after a full drying cycle, the vent screen may need cleaning.

Improperly maintained dryer vents can cause overheating and pose a fire risk, says the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Lint buildup may occur in the lint screen, the exhaust duct or the vent itself.

Lint Screen

The lint screen, which traps most lint to prevent it from being vented outside, should be cleaned after every laundry load. Once the screen is removed, any lint left behind in the trap should also be cleaned, either by hand or with a vacuum.

Duct and Vent

The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends "periodically" checking the outside dryer vent while the appliance is operating to be sure air is coming out. If not, a blockage is likely. Galt Technology suggests conducting a yearly inspection of the exhaust duct and the ductwork inside the wall by disconnecting the duct from both the appliance and the wall. A vacuum cleaner can clear both areas.

Effects

If a dryer's lint screen, exhaust duct or outside vent are blocked, it will not perform well. Loads will take longer to dry. The laundry and the appliance itself may seem very hot. A dryer that is working harder to do its job will use more electricity and cost more to operate.

References

• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Overheated Clothes Dryers Can Cause Fires
• Galt: Dryer Vent Problems -- How Do You Know When to Clean Your Dryer Vents and Ducts?