How often should a dryer vent be cleaned?

Once a year is a good habit. More often for big households.

Is a long dry time dangerous?

It can be a sign of a blocked vent, and that's a fire risk. Don't ignore it.

Dryer Takes Forever to Dry

When a dryer needs two or three cycles, the vent is the first thing to check. After that, a weak heating element, a thermostat, or a moisture sensor that shuts the cycle off early.

Common causes

Clogged or crushed vent. Hot, wet air can’t get out.
Long vent run. Some homes vent through the roof or a long wall run that clogs faster.
Weak heat. A partly failed element or a gas igniter that’s slow to open the valve.
Moisture sensor. Dirty sensor bars inside the drum end the cycle early.
Washer not spinning out. Clothes come out of the washer too wet.

Checks you can do safely

Turn off power (and water or gas where it applies) before you reach inside any appliance.

Clean the lint screen and wash it if it’s coated with dryer-sheet film.
Disconnect the vent hose and run the dryer for a minute. If it dries better, the vent is the problem.
Wipe the metal sensor bars inside the drum with rubbing alcohol.
Check that clothes come out of the washer damp, not dripping.

When to call us

Call if the vent is clear and dry times are still long, or the dryer gets very hot on the outside. We work Monday to Friday, 8 to 5, across Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Denton, Rockwall, Ellis and Johnson counties. The service call is $150 and we waive it if you go ahead with the repair. Parts and labor are covered for 90 days.

Service page: dryer repair.