How often should dryer vents be cleaned?

Dryer vents should be professionally cleaned annually to prevent fire hazards, according to the National Fire Protection Association. NFPA data shows that 15,970 home dryer fires occur each year in the United States, causing $238 million in property damage, 100 injuries, and 5 deaths annually, with lint accumulation as the leading cause. Oregon families with large households doing frequent laundry, homes with long vent runs exceeding 25 feet, or dryers venting through multiple 90-degree bends should schedule cleaning every 6 months. Warning signs requiring immediate cleaning include clothes taking longer to dry, dryer exterior feeling excessively hot, burning smell during operation, or lint visible around the outside vent opening. Oregon’s humid climate can increase lint moisture, making regular cleaning even more critical.