Dryer Vent Cleaning · Maintenance
You should have your dryer vent cleaned at least once a year. Clean it more often — every 6 months — if you have a large household, do frequent loads, own pets, or have a long or winding vent run. The biggest reason isn’t just efficiency: a lint-clogged vent is the leading cause of dryer fires. Here’s how to know when yours is due.
By the Prestige Protected Team · Updated June 2026 · Cary, Raleigh & the NC Triangle
How often should you clean your dryer vent?
- Most homes: once a year.
- Large/active households, pets, or long vent runs: every 6 months.
- Sooner if you notice warning signs (below) — don’t wait for the calendar.
Signs your dryer vent needs cleaning now
- Clothes take more than one cycle to dry
- The dryer or laundry feels very hot, or there’s a burning smell
- Lint visible around the dryer or vent opening; the lint trap fills fast
- It’s been more than a year since the last cleaning
More detail: signs of a clogged dryer vent and dryer vent fire risk & prevention.