Dryer Vent Safety
How Often Should I Clean My Dryer Vent?
The short answer
Most households should have the dryer vent professionally cleaned about once a year. Clean it more often if you do laundry for a big family, dry pet bedding, or have a long or winding vent run — all of which trap more lint. In Des Moines, late summer or early fall is a smart time, before the heating season seals the house up and exterior vents start to ice.
How often is often enough?
Once a year is the baseline for an average household. Clean more often if your situation moves more lint or restricts airflow:
- Large household or frequent loads — more laundry means more lint, faster.
- A long or winding vent run, which traps lint at every bend.
- Drying pet bedding, towels, or other heavy-lint items regularly.
- A vent that exits through the roof or a long exterior wall.
Don't just wait for the calendar
Schedule a cleaning sooner if you notice clothes taking more than one cycle to dry, a hot laundry room, a burning smell, or weak airflow at the outdoor vent. Those are the same red flags covered in our guide to the signs of a clogged dryer vent.
How to keep your dryer vent clear
- 1
Clear the lint screen after every load
Pull the lint screen and clear it after each load. A clogged screen is the most common cause of weak airflow and longer dry times.
- 2
Wash the lint screen periodically
Every few months, wash the screen with warm, soapy water to remove fabric-softener residue a quick brush-off misses. Let it dry fully before sliding it back in.
- 3
Check the outdoor vent hood
With the dryer running, step outside and confirm the flap opens and air flows freely. Clear any lint, nests, or snow blocking the hood.
- 4
Vacuum behind and under the dryer
Unplug the dryer, pull it out, and vacuum lint from the floor, the duct connection, and the back of the unit. Make sure the flexible duct isn't crushed or kinked.
- 5
Schedule a professional vent cleaning yearly
Have the full vent line professionally cleaned about once a year — more often for long runs or heavy use — to remove buildup you can't reach from the openings.
Common misconception
Newer dryers don't need vent cleaning.
The local truth: Lint builds up no matter how new or efficient your dryer is — it comes from the clothes, not the machine. Even a brand-new dryer on a long vent run needs the line kept clear.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean my dryer vent?
About once a year for an average home. Clean more often if you run frequent loads, dry heavy-lint items, or have a long or winding vent run.
Can I clean a dryer vent myself?
You can handle the lint screen, the outdoor vent hood, and vacuuming behind the dryer. Clearing the full duct line takes the right brushes and tools, so many homeowners schedule a professional for the run itself.
What time of year is best to clean it in Iowa?
Late summer or early fall is ideal in Des Moines — you clear the line before the heating season seals up the house and before cold weather lets exterior vents ice over.
What does a dryer vent cleaning cost?
It's typically a modest, scheduled service in the $100 to $200 range, depending on the vent run. Our dryer vent cleaning cost guide breaks down what affects the price.
Keep your Des Moines laundry room safe
Due for a vent cleaning or noticing longer dry times? Our team serves Des Moines and the surrounding metro. Ask about maintenance plans that keep your home's systems on a healthy schedule.