How to Clean Your Dryer Vent

Do this after you dry a load—every single time. If you allow too much lint to build up on the screen, heated dryer air won’t move freely through the machine, which will prolong drying times.

Even if you’re diligent about emptying the lint screen, small fibers will get through the trap and into your dryer vent. Left unchecked, this lint can slowly snowball, to the point where an errant spark could lead to a serious conflagration inside the vent. That’s why it’s critical to clean the dryer vent every few months or so, depending on usage and the type of laundry you dry. Drying sweaters or towels will put more strain on your appliance than drying cotton items.

It’s a pretty simple task, assuming you can access the dryer vent by pulling the dryer away from the wall (if not, you’ll need to hire a professional). Always disconnect the dryer from its power source before moving it. Then separate the vent from the dryer and vacuum both ends using the crevice attachment of your vacuum.

Don’t forget to also clean the back of your dryer (where lint can build up) and ensure the duct isn’t damaged, crushed, or restricted. You (or a professional) should also clean your vent shaft between the wall of your home to the outside. This is critical if you currently have an accordion-style vent (a rigid metal duct doesn’t sag and allows better airflow). Make sure your outside vent cover opens while the dryer is operating and you can feel the airflow.

If your dryer takes too long to dry, check for a vent blockage. Many top-rated dryers have duct blockage indicators that signal when it’s time to clean the vent.

Our top-rated dryers all have moisture sensors that work in conjunction with auto-dry cycles to detect the laundry’s dampness and shut off the machine when clothes are dry. Over time, these sensors can get covered with film, especially if you use dryer sheets. The buildup can prevent the dryer from knowing when the laundry is dry, leaving clothes either damp or overcooked.

To counter this problem, clean the sensors with a cotton ball and rubbing alcohol every few months, or anytime the auto-dry cycles seem to be missing the mark. The sensors are usually located just inside the dryer, underneath the door. Look for thin metal bars, about 6 inches long, with a slight curve that follows the contour of the door. If you don’t see the sensors there, check your owner’s manual for their location.

The following dryers score at the top in our performance tests and are equipped with both moisture sensors, which can aid in drying efficiency, and duct blockage indicators, which alert you to a clogged vent duct.

Want to keep your household appliances in tip-top shape? On the "Consumer 101" TV show, Consumer Reports explains the most important thing you can do to keep these machines working properly.