10 Warning Signs Your Dryer Vent Is Clogged

A dryer vent expels hot, moist air from the dryer while it runs, allowing the machine to dry clothes more efficiently and preventing overheating. Dryer vents typically need to be cleaned once per year to prevent blockages; however, if you have a large family, you may need to clean it every six months.

If you’re wondering whether the vent for the dryer is clogged, there are some telltale signs to look out for that can help you know. This article will list all the warnings that indicate a vent blockage, so you can take steps to address it.

Here are the ten warning signs your dryer vent is clogged.

1. Laundry takes longer to dry

Although it may seem to be contradictory, a blocked vent can lead to overheating, which can also result in longer drying times. That’s because the moisture from the laundry isn’t being expelled outside, and is instead staying inside the drum, keeping items damp.

2. Laundry feels hotter than usual

If you notice that laundry feels hotter than usual after a cycle, this is another warning sign that the vent could be blocked. This happens because the hot air is trapped inside the dryer due to the clog.

3. The dryer itself feels hot

Not only might laundry feel hotter than usual, but you may also notice that the panels on the dryer itself feel hot to the touch. This is another warning sign the vent may be clogged.

4. The dryer turns off mid-cycle

Most modern dryers have built-in safety devices, such as the high-limit thermostat and the thermal fuse, which monitor the temperature inside the dryer and shut off power if it overheats to prevent fires.

If you notice that the dryer sometimes shuts off mid-cycle, it could be because the high-limit thermostat is being triggered due to overheating caused by a vent blockage.

If the appliance overheats to the point that the thermal fuse blows, the dryer will not heat at all until the fuse is replaced.

5. Unusual smells are coming from the dryer

If you notice any unusual smells coming from the dryer, it could be because the vent is blocked. For example, you might notice a burnt smell caused by the combination of heat and lint buildup; or it could also be a sign that the motor is overheating.

You may also notice a musty, damp odor caused by mold and mildew growth, which thrive in the damp, humid environment a blocked vent creates.

6. You can see lint or debris buildup

The most common cause of a vent blockage is lint buildup, but clogging can also be caused by other types of debris, such as nest material from birds and rodents, or dust and hair.

If you can see lint or debris around the external or internal vent ducting, the dryer door, the lint trap, or on your laundry, this is a clear sign the vent is due for a cleaning.

7. The vent hood flap doesn’t open

The cover or flap on the exterior vent hood should open when the dryer is running due to the hot air being expelled from the dryer, and it should close when the dryer isn’t running. If you notice that the flap barely moves or doesn’t move at all during a drying cycle, this is a sign that the vent is potentially clogged, preventing air from being released outside.

8. Your energy bills are higher

A dryer can’t function efficiently if the vent is clogged, leading to longer drying cycles and poor performance. This can result in your utility bills being higher at the end of the month as the dryer has to work harder to do its job.

9. The dryer vent duct is visibly damaged

The dryer vent hose that sits behind the dryer, connecting the dryer to the vent, can sometimes get crushed between the wall and the dryer, severely restricting airflow.

You can check for damage to the dryer vent duct or hose by looking behind your dryer or pulling the dryer away from the wall and inspecting it.

10. It hasn’t been cleaned in a long time

If you’re aware that the dryer vent hasn’t been cleaned in a long time—for instance, more than a year for small households or six months for people with large families—and you’ve noticed some of the other warning signs listed above, this is another indication that there could be a blockage.

What to do if you believe the vent is clogged?

It’s important not to ignore a clogged dryer vent as this problem will not fix itself, and a blockage increases the risk of house fires or damage occurring to your appliance.

If you suspect the vent is clogged, you should unplug your dryer and not use it until the vent is cleaned. You can either hire a professional to clean the dryer vent for you or you can clean it yourself.

Here’s how to clean a dryer vent yourself:

1. Unplug the dryer and pull it away from the wall to gain access to the vent.
2. Disconnect the vent hose from the back of the dryer.
3. Purchase a dryer vent cleaning kit, which includes a flexible brush and extension rods.
4. Remove the exterior vent hood from the wall for better access to the vent.
5. Attach your vent cleaning kit to an electric drill, using as many extension rods as you need for the length of the vent.
6. Slowly feed the brush into the vent while operating the drill as you go to clean the vent. Be sure to clean the entire length of the vent and feed the brush all the way in and out until you notice no more lint or debris being extracted.
7. Use a vacuum cleaner or a dustpan and brush to clear up any mess created during the vent cleaning.
8. Reconnect the vent hose to the back of the dryer, and push the dryer back into position. Reattach the exterior vent hood.
9. Run a cycle to see if the warning signs have now gone.