Guide
How to clean a dryer vent
A clogged dryer vent makes every load take longer and is a real fire risk. Here's how to clean it yourself in about an hour, and when it's worth paying a pro.
Updated October 4, 2026 · By the Trade Pricing Control team · Where our prices come from
Why cleaning the vent matters
Lint gets past the lint screen and builds up inside the duct. That slows airflow, so clothes take longer to dry and the dryer runs hotter. The U.S. Fire Administration estimates about 2,900 clothes dryer fires in homes every year, and failure to clean is the leading factor, at 34% of them.
Signs your dryer vent is clogged
- Clothes need more than one cycle to dry
- The dryer or the clothes feel unusually hot
- A burning smell when the dryer runs
- The flap on the outside vent barely opens, or doesn't open at all
- Lint or debris around the outside vent or behind the dryer
- It's been more than a year since the vent was cleaned
Tools you'll need
- A dryer vent cleaning brush kit with flexible rods (usually $15 to $40 at a hardware store)
- A vacuum with a hose and crevice tool
- A screwdriver or nut driver for the duct clamps
- Aluminum foil tape (not cloth duct tape) to reseal joints
- Optional: a cordless drill, if your brush kit is made to spin with one
How to clean a dryer vent in 8 steps
- Turn off the power. Unplug an electric dryer. For a gas dryer, also turn off the gas valve and be careful not to bend or strain the gas line when you move the dryer. If you're not comfortable around a gas connection, hire a pro.
- Clean the lint screen and its slot. Pull out the lint screen, clean it, and vacuum the slot it sits in with a crevice tool. A lot of lint collects below the screen.
- Pull the dryer out and disconnect the duct. Slide the dryer away from the wall, loosen the clamp on the back, and pull the duct off the dryer outlet.
- Vacuum both openings. Vacuum lint from the dryer's outlet and from the end of the duct coming out of the wall.
- Brush the duct from inside. Push the brush into the duct, adding rod sections as you go. Turn it clockwise as you push so the rods don't unscrew inside the wall. Pull it back out and vacuum the lint it brings with it. Repeat until little lint comes out.
- Clean from the outside. Remove the outside vent cover if you can and brush back toward the dryer. Clear any lint, leaves or bird nests, and check that the flap swings freely.
- Reconnect and check the duct. Reattach the duct to the dryer and the wall, tighten the clamps, and seal joints with foil tape. Push the dryer back without crushing or kinking the duct.
- Test the airflow. Turn the power back on and run the dryer on an air-only or low-heat setting. Go outside: you should feel a strong flow of air and see the flap open fully.
Replace plastic or foil ducts while you're there
If the duct behind your dryer is white plastic or thin, accordion-style foil, consider replacing it. Fire safety groups and dryer makers generally recommend rigid or semi-rigid metal duct, which traps less lint and doesn't sag. Keep the run as short and straight as you can, and follow your dryer's manual for the maximum length.
How often should you clean a dryer vent?
Clean the lint screen every load and the vent duct at least once a year. Clean it more often if you have a large household, pets, a long duct run, or a vent that exits on the roof, or any time you notice the warning signs above.
DIY vs hiring a pro
Doing it yourself costs about $15 to $40 for a brush kit you can reuse. A professional cleaning usually costs $80 to $185, depending on where the vent exits:
| Job | Typical 2026 price |
|---|---|
| DIY brush kit | $15 – $40 |
| Pro cleaning, ground-level vent | $80 – $150 |
| Pro cleaning, second-floor vent | $110 – $185 |
| Pro cleaning, roof vent | $150 – $250 |
| Vent inspection (often with a camera) | $30 – $60 |
| Bird or pest guard installed | $30 – $100 |
A pro is usually worth it when:
- The vent exits on the roof or high on a second-story wall
- The duct run is long or has several bends
- Airflow is still weak after you've cleaned it, which can mean a crushed or disconnected duct inside the wall
- You have a gas dryer and aren't comfortable moving it
- You find a bird nest or animals in the vent
Run a vent cleaning business? The same dryer vent calculator helps you quote by vent location and add-ons, and shows what each job pays per hour.
Frequently asked questions
How do I clean my dryer vent without a brush kit?
You can vacuum the dryer outlet and as much of the duct as the hose reaches, and clean the outside vent by hand. But a brush kit is cheap and reaches the lint deeper in the duct that a vacuum can't, so it does a much more thorough job.
Can I use a leaf blower to clean a dryer vent?
Some people blow the duct out from inside toward the outside vent. It can clear loose lint, but it can also push lint into joints or blow it back into the house if the outside flap is blocked. Brushing and vacuuming is more reliable.
How long does it take to clean a dryer vent?
Usually 30 to 60 minutes for a short duct that exits through a nearby wall. Long runs and roof vents take longer, which is why pros charge more for them.
How often should you clean your dryer vent?
At least once a year for most homes, and more often for large households, pets or long duct runs. Clean the lint screen after every load.
How much does it cost to have a dryer vent cleaned?
Most homeowners pay $80 to $185, about $130 on average in 2026. Roof vents cost more, about $150 to $250.