5 Signs Your Dryer Vent Needs Cleaning — And What Happens If You Wait

1. Drying Takes Longer Than It Should

If your clothes aren’t drying after one cycle, it’s a classic sign of restricted airflow. Lint buildup in the vent forces your dryer to work harder and longer to do the same job, wasting energy and time.

2. Your Laundry Room Feels Hot or Humid

When your dryer vent is clogged, heat and moisture can’t escape properly. Instead, it builds up inside your home—leaving your laundry area hotter and more humid than usual.

3. The Dryer (or Clothes) Smells Hot or Burnt

Lint is extremely flammable. If you smell something burning during or after a drying cycle, turn off the machine immediately. This is a serious warning sign—and a good time to call a professional.

4. Excess Lint Behind the Dryer

Notice lint collecting around the dryer or vent connection? That’s a sign lint is leaking out somewhere it shouldn’t be. It may also indicate a damaged or disconnected vent.

5. It’s Been Over a Year Since Your Last Cleaning

Even if you don’t notice obvious symptoms, dryer vents should be cleaned at least once a year—especially in households that do frequent laundry or have long vent runs.