Use once a year as the baseline
For most households, clean the dryer’s exhaust vent at least once a year. Clear the lint screen after every load; vent cleaning addresses the duct that carries exhaust outdoors.
Check sooner if you run frequent loads, have shedding pets, or often dry lint-heavy items such as towels, fleece, or bulky bedding. Long runs, multiple bends, and concealed ducts are harder to assess and may need more frequent attention. Some cleaning providers suggest every three to six months for heavier use or difficult setups, but that is not a universal schedule. Follow your dryer’s maintenance instructions, and move the next check forward if performance changes.
Stop the dryer if it overheats or smells like burning
If the dryer is overheating or smells like burning, turn it off and contact a qualified technician. Don’t run it to test the airflow.
Only check the exterior vent hood during normal operation when the dryer is not overheating and has no burning odor.
Longer drying times, loads that need another cycle, lint gathering behind the dryer, or an appliance vent alert can signal a restricted exhaust path. During a safe check, the exterior flap should open and air should flow out. Weak airflow or a flap that barely moves warrants attention. If airflow stays poor or drying does not improve after the vent is addressed, have the dryer or duct diagnosed further.
Get help with a hard-to-reach duct
A long, concealed, or difficult-to-access duct is a good reason to hire a professional, especially if airflow stays weak after cleaning or you cannot confirm the full route is clear.
In two individual homeowner reports, drill-brush extensions came apart or became stuck in concealed ducts, making removal difficult. These accounts don’t show how often this happens, but they’re a reason not to force a brush through a complicated run.