If your dryer suddenly isn’t performing like it used to, it might not be the dryer itself. Maybe it takes longer to dry clothes, the outside of the dryer feels hot, or you’re catching a burning smell. More often than you’d think, the real issue is something hiding behind the scenes: your dryer vent system. But what is dryer vent cleaning, and how do you know if you need your system cleaned?
We’ve cleaned thousands of dryer vents over the years, and most homeowners are surprised to learn that dryer vent cleaning is something they even need to think about. It’s not talked about much, but it plays a major role in how safely and efficiently your dryer runs. So in this guide, we’re going to break it all down for you.
If you already suspect this might be your issue, feel free to skip ahead to our dryer vent cleaning service page for more info on what’s included and how to schedule.
What is dryer vent cleaning (and why is it important)?
Every dryer has a system that moves hot, moist air out of the appliance and vents it to the outside of your home. This system includes:
- the dryer duct (also called a vent hose or dryer vent pipe)
- the vent hood or cap on the outside of the house
- any elbows, bends, or connectors between the dryer and the outside
Over time, lint from your clothes builds up inside this duct. Even if you clean the lint trap every single load, and we hope you do, fine particles still escape and collect inside the vent system. That lint buildup gradually restricts airflow and can eventually block it entirely. Dryer vent cleaning removes the built-up lint, dust, pet hair, and debris from the entire dryer vent system so your dryer can “breathe” again.
This isn’t just about convenience. A clogged dryer vent can lead to a long laundry list of problems, and in some cases, it can even be dangerous. In short, dryer vent cleaning helps keep your dryer efficient, your utility bills lower, and your home safer.
⚠️ Important Safety Note
If you smell burning during a dryer cycle, or if the dryer is shutting off from overheating, stop using it immediately and schedule a professional cleaning. Lint is highly flammable and can catch fire if it gets too hot.
Signs you might need dryer vent cleaning.
Dryer vent issues can be sneaky. Your dryer might still work, just not quite as well as it used to. From what we’ve seen in thousands of homes, the most common issues caused by dirty dryer vents include:
Drying takes longer than it used to.
If clothes that used to dry in 40 minutes now take 60 or even 90, the dryer’s airflow is likely restricted. That’s usually caused by lint buildup inside the vent or duct. Long drying times like these waste energy and wear out your dryer faster.
The dryer won’t heat, or clothes stay damp.
We often get calls saying “my dryer won’t heat,” but the heating element might not be the problem. When airflow is blocked, the hot air gets trapped and can’t circulate properly, so your clothes stay damp.
The dryer feels hot to the touch or shuts off mid-cycle.
If your dryer is hot on the outside, or if it shuts down before finishing a cycle, that could be a sign it’s overheating. Most modern dryers have safety sensors that shut things off when temperatures get too high, which is often due to poor ventilation.
There’s a burning or musty smell during drying.
This one’s serious. A burning smell can mean lint is getting too hot inside the vent, which is a major fire hazard. A musty smell usually means moisture is building up inside the duct, which could lead to mold or mildew.
Lint is showing up where it shouldn’t.
Lint is highly flammable and a serious fire hazard. In fact, clogged vents are a top cause of dryer fires. If you’re seeing lint around the back of the dryer, along the baseboards, or collecting around the outside vent flap, that’s a sign it’s backing up. You might also notice that the outside vent flap isn’t opening properly when the dryer is running.
Your energy bills are creeping up.
When your dryer has to work twice as hard to dry a load of laundry, it pulls more electricity (or gas). If you’ve noticed a steady increase in utility costs, especially if you’re doing the same number of loads, your dryer vent could be the culprit.
How often should you clean your dryer vent?
For most households, once a year is a good rule of thumb. But some situations may call for more frequent cleaning:
- You run the dryer 4–5 times a week (or more).
- You have pets that shed.
- Your vent is long or has multiple bends or elbows.
- You use dryer sheets frequently (which contribute to lint buildup).
- You’ve never had your dryer vent cleaned.
In homes with long duct runs or high usage, we sometimes recommend cleaning every 6 months.
What can you check yourself?
If you’re not quite ready to call a professional dryer vent cleaning company, there are a few things you can check on your own:
Look at the lint trap.
Make sure it’s being cleaned after every load. If it’s torn or doesn’t fit snugly, lint could be getting into the duct system even faster.
Check the outside vent flap.
Turn your dryer on, then head outside and check the vent hood. The flap should be opening fully, and you should feel a steady stream of warm air coming out. If it’s weak or not moving at all, airflow is restricted.
Inspect the vent hose behind the dryer.
Pull the dryer out from the wall (gently) and check the hose. Is it kinked or crushed? Is there visible lint around the connection? Any of those can block airflow or let lint escape into your laundry room.
Track your drying times.
Take a few notes. If your towels or sheets used to dry in one cycle but now take two, your dryer vent is probably starting to clog.
When should you call in a professional?
We always support homeowners doing basic checks and light cleaning on their own. But there are times when a pro really needs to step in, especially if:
- You suspect the vent is completely blocked
- The duct runs through the attic, crawlspace, or inside walls
- The dryer is overheating or shutting down mid-cycle
- You notice burning smells
- You’re not sure when the vent was last cleaned (or if it ever has been)
- You’ve tried DIY fixes, and things are still getting worse
We use high-powered vacuums, flexible rotary brushes, and inspection tools that let us clean the entire length of the vent, including parts most homeowners can’t reach. If one or more of these sound familiar, it might be time to have your vent checked. Learn more about our dryer vent cleaning service or schedule a visit through the link below.
What happens during a professional dryer vent cleaning?
Here’s what a proper cleaning should include:
- Unhooking the dryer safely and inspecting the full vent system
- Cleaning the entire dryer duct, from inside to the outside vent
- Removing all lint, hair, dust, and debris using professional-grade tools
- Checking for crushed ducts, disconnected joints, or broken vent caps
- Measuring airflow before and after to confirm the system is clear
- Showing you what was removed (we’ve had homeowners shocked by what we find!)
- Reattaching everything safely and making sure it runs correctly
And of course, we clean up before we go. Naomi or Brenda will usually follow up and check how things are running after your appointment, too. We like to make sure you’re good to go.
What can happen if you wait too long?
We’ve seen what happens when dryer vent issues are left alone for too long. It’s never fun.
- Delaying a dryer vent cleaning can lead to:
- Expensive dryer repairs (heating elements, thermostats, motors burn out faster)
- Fire hazards from built-up lint near the heating element
- Moisture damage to walls or ceilings from trapped heat
- Poor indoor air quality from mold or mildew buildup
- Carbon monoxide risks in gas dryers if fumes can’t escape properly
That’s why we always say: if you’re noticing any of the warning signs, especially burning smells, overheating, or long dry times, don’t wait.
Wrapping it up.
If your dryer isn’t working like it used to, dryer vent cleaning might be the fix you didn’t know you needed. It’s one of the most overlooked maintenance tasks in a home, and also one of the most important. Keeping that vent clean makes a real difference, whether you’re concerned about safety or just want to keep your energy bills down. And if it’s been a year (or you’re not even sure when it was last done), it’s probably time.
You can learn more about our cleaning process and what’s included by visiting our dryer vent cleaning page or reaching out below. You can also call your closest Champion location, and Naomi or Brenda will be happy to talk through what’s going on and help figure out if cleaning is the right next step.