How often should dryer vents be cleaned in order to prevent a fire?
The old advice is true: You need to clean your lint trap after every dryer cycle in order to prevent house fires. But you should also perform a deeper cleaning of your dryer vent every 1 to 3 years. The exact frequency varies depending on several factors surrounding your dryer use, which we will get into. But here’s why you should clean your dryer vent: Failure to do so was the leading cause of clothes dryer fires in homes from 2018 to 2020, according to the National Fire Incident Reporting System . Why Do I Need To Deep Clean My Dryer Vent? While cleaning out the lint trap after each dryer cycle is a good habit, more is needed to ensure the safety of your dryer system. The dryer vent consists of several components, including: The lint trap Exhaust hose Exterior vent The dryer cabinet The dryer blower The interior dryer cabinet duct The dryer motor Over time, lint, debris, and even small objects can accumulate within these components, obstructing airflow and creating a fire risk.