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, prolonging 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 out the length of the duct, to where it exhausts outside. This is especially important if you have an accordion-style vent that can sag and capture lint in its ribs. (A rigid metal duct provides better airflow.) Make sure your outside vent cover opens while the dryer is operating and you can feel air flowing through it.

If your dryer takes too long to dry, check for a vent blockage. Many dryers have a duct blockage indicator that signals when it’s time to clean the vent.

Our top-rated dryers all have a moisture sensor 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, the sensor 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 sensor with a cotton ball and rubbing alcohol every few months, or any time the auto-dry cycles seem to be missing the mark. The sensor is 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 sensor there, check your owner’s manual for its location.

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

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