How Often do Dryer Vents Need Cleaning?
It is highly suggested to clean vents before they become a hazard. To avoid dryer vent problems, vents should be cleaned once every one to two years. However, as a safety precaution, it is best to inspect the vents frequently. The frequency of cleaning a vent often varies on several factors. The longer the vent, the more cleanings required as the chances for buildup of lint will increase. Vents with several turns and elbows tend to build up more lint whereas short and straight vents require less attention as the majority of the lint is able to escape through the exhaust without trouble.
The better a dryer vent blows, the less lint builds up in it. Short vents blow better than long ones. Full size dryers blow better than smaller stack dryers or older dryers. Vents with a lot of turns and elbows blow worse and build up more lint. Very short vents attached to full size dryers may never need cleaning! Most vents, however, need cleaning every two to three years, depending on the factors above.
