What to Do When Your Dryer Vent Is Blocked
A blocked dryer vent doesn't just mean longer drying times, it's one of the most common causes of house fires linked to appliances. It's worth taking seriously.
Signs of a Blocked Vent
Clothes taking much longer to dry, a hot dryer exterior, or a burning smell during a cycle are all signs airflow is restricted.
Why It's a Fire Risk
Lint is highly flammable, and a blocked vent traps heat and lint together inside the dryer and duct, which is a leading cause of dryer fires.
How to Clean It Yourself
Disconnect the dryer, remove the vent hose, and clear visible lint with a vent brush. For longer duct runs, a vent cleaning kit can reach further inside.
When to Call a Professional
If the vent run is long, goes through walls, or you're not comfortable disconnecting the dryer, a professional cleaning is the safer choice.
Prevention Going Forward
Clean the lint trap after every load and plan for a full vent cleaning once a year to keep airflow strong.
Think this might be more than a quick fix? See our Dryer Repair page for common causes, what a repair involves, and what it typically costs.
View Dryer Repair ›If you're not sure what's causing the problem, or the fix involves gas, electrical wiring, or refrigerant, it's best to call a licensed technician rather than take it apart yourself.
Still Have Questions?
Call now and talk to a real technician about your appliance.
Call (830) 380-5984