How Often Should You Clean Your Dryer Vent? A Simple Guide for Homeowners 

If you’ve ever pulled a warm towel from the dryer only to find it still damp, or worse, noticed a burnt smell or your laundry room heating up like a sauna, it’s probably time to talk about your dryer vent.

In our line of work here at Capital City Power Vacuum in Victoria, we encounter many individuals who are surprised to learn just how vital dryer vent cleaning is, not only for appliance performance but also for home safety. Most homeowners don’t give much thought to their dryer vent until something goes wrong, and by then, it could be too late.

We’ve written this guide to help you understand how often to clean your dryer vent, how to do it right, both inside and out, and why it’s something you should keep on your radar if you want to keep your home safe and your energy bills in check.

Let’s break it all down in a way that’s easy to follow and easy to act on.

Why Cleaning Your Dryer Vent Matters (More Than You Think)?

First, let’s talk about why this is worth your attention. Dryer vents don’t just quietly collect lint; they collect risk. Over time, lint builds up in the ductwork, restricting airflow. This causes your dryer to work harder and longer, which:

• Wastes energy
• Wears out your machine
• Increases drying time
• Raises the risk of fire

Dryer vent fires are one of the leading causes of household fires across North America, including right here in Victoria.

Even if you’re cleaning your lint trap after every load (which, by the way, you should be), lint still makes its way into the vent pipe and can collect over time.

So, How Often Should You Clean Your Dryer Vent?

This is the million-dollar question we hear from homeowners. And the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on how often you use your dryer and what type of setup you’ve.

Here’s a simple guide:

Usage Frequency	Recommended Cleaning Interval
Light use (1–2 times/week)	Once every 18–24 months
Moderate use (3–5 times/week)	Once every 12–18 months
Heavy use (daily)	At least once a year
Large households, pets, etc.	Every 6–12 months

If you’ve never cleaned your dryer vent and it’s been more than a year, it’s probably overdue.

Signs Your Dryer Vent Needs Cleaning

Sometimes your dryer will tell you it’s time to take action, if you’re paying attention. Here are some common signs:

• Clothes take longer than usual to dry
• The dryer feels hot to the touch
• The laundry room is unusually humid or warm
• You notice a burning smell during the operation
• Lint is building up around the vent opening outside
• The dryer shuts off mid-cycle

If any of these sound familiar, you’re likely dealing with a clogged vent.

How to Clean a Dryer Vent from the Inside?

Cleaning your dryer vent from the inside is something some homeowners in Victoria try to tackle on their own. While we always recommend calling in a pro for a thorough job, here’s how it’s generally done:

Step-by-step:

1. Unplug the dryer (or shut off the gas if it’s a gas model).
2. Gently pull the dryer away from the wall to access the duct.
3. Disconnect the vent hose from the back of the dryer.
4. Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to remove as much lint as possible from both the dryer and the duct opening.
5. Use a dryer vent cleaning brush or kit to reach deep into the duct.
6. Clean up the area and reconnect everything securely.
7. Push the dryer back into place and test it to ensure it is working correctly.

It’s essential to handle the vent hose gently; it can be fragile, especially if it’s an older foil-type duct.

How to Clean a Dryer Vent from the Outside?

This part of the job is just as important, and it’s often overlooked. In Victoria, where we get a mix of damp air and salty coastal winds, the outside vent can also get blocked by debris, leaves, or even small critters.

What to do:

• Locate the outside vent (usually on an exterior wall or roof)
• Remove the vent cover if necessary
• Use a long brush or vacuum attachment to remove lint and debris
• Check for any blockages or nests
• Replace the cover and ensure it opens/closes properly when air flows

Doing this at least once a year can make a noticeable difference in your dryer’s performance.

Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning: What to Expect

There’s a big difference between a DIY clean-up and a professional service. At Capital City Power Vacuum, we utilize high-powered equipment specifically designed to remove even the most deeply packed lint and debris.

Our typical service includes:

• Full inspection of the dryer and vent system
• Interior and exterior cleaning
• Airflow testing
• Recommendations on improving venting efficiency

We also check for damage or poor installation, which is more common than you’d think, especially in older homes around Victoria.

How Long Does It Take?

A typical professional dryer vent cleaning takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the length and accessibility of the duct.

If you’ve got a rooftop vent, multiple bends in the ductwork, or a tight laundry room, it may take a bit longer, but it’s well worth the time to ensure your home is safe and your dryer runs smoothly.

The Bottom Line

Dryer vent cleaning isn’t just about keeping your clothes dry; it’s about protecting your home and keeping your energy bills under control.

If you’re a homeowner in Victoria, don’t wait for the warning signs to pile up. Whether you want to tackle it yourself or leave it to the pros at Capital City Power Vacuum, make sure it’s on your home maintenance checklist.

We’ve seen too many preventable issues that started with something as simple as built-up lint. A little attention now can save you a lot of hassle later.

When was the last time your dryer vent was cleaned? If you’re not sure, it’s probably time.

Give us a shout, we’re here to help keep your home running safely and efficiently, one vent at a time.