Why Is My Dryer Taking Multiple Cycles To Dry Clothes Vent Cleaning Signs

If your laundry routine now requires two or even three drying cycles to get clothes fully dry, you’re not imagining things — something is wrong. While modern dryers are built for efficiency, performance degrades over time if maintenance is overlooked. One of the most common yet underdiagnosed causes of poor drying performance is a clogged or restricted dryer vent. A blocked exhaust system forces your dryer to work harder, longer, and less effectively. Worse, it poses a serious fire hazard. Recognizing the early warning signs can save you money, prevent appliance damage, and protect your home.

How Dryer Vents Work and Why They Matter

Dryers operate by heating air and circulating it through wet clothing. Moisture evaporates and is carried out of the machine via the exhaust duct — typically a flexible or rigid metal tube that leads from the back of the dryer to an exterior wall vent. For this process to function efficiently, airflow must be unimpeded. Over time, lint accumulates in the ductwork, especially at bends, joints, or where the pipe connects to the wall. Even small buildups restrict airflow, trapping moisture inside the drum and forcing the dryer to run longer cycles.

The U.S. Fire Administration reports that failure to clean dryer vents is the leading cause of dryer-related fires, accounting for nearly 30% of incidents annually. Beyond safety, a dirty vent increases drying time by up to 75%, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). That means higher energy bills, more wear on internal components like the heating element and motor, and inconsistent results.

“Most homeowners don’t realize their dryer vent hasn’t been cleaned in over five years — sometimes since installation. That’s a recipe for inefficiency and danger.” — James Rutherford, HVAC and Appliance Safety Inspector

Top Signs Your Dryer Vent Needs Cleaning

You don’t need to wait for a breakdown to act. Several subtle but consistent clues indicate restricted airflow due to lint buildup:

• Clothes remain damp after a full cycle: If shirts, towels, or jeans come out warm but still moist, the dryer isn’t exhausting moisture properly.
• Longer drying times: What used to take 40 minutes now takes 90 or more, even with similar loads.
• Excessive heat in the laundry room: A clogged vent traps hot air indoors instead of expelling it outside, raising ambient temperature.
• Burning smell during operation: Lint near the heating element can scorch, producing a sharp, acrid odor.
• Lint visible around the dryer’s exhaust flapper: This indicates blowback from a blocked path.
• Hot exterior casing: The dryer body becomes unusually hot to the touch, signaling overheating from poor ventilation.
• Condensation or mildew near the dryer: Trapped moisture condenses on walls or floors, promoting mold growth.

Tip: Perform a simple airflow test: Turn on the dryer and go outside to check the exterior vent. If you feel weak airflow or see lint clinging to the cover, cleaning is overdue.

Step-by-Step Guide to Assessing and Cleaning Your Dryer Vent

While professional cleaning is recommended annually, you can perform basic inspection and maintenance yourself. Follow this timeline to ensure safety and effectiveness:

1. Unplug the dryer and disconnect gas line (if applicable). Always cut power before starting any work.
2. Pull the dryer away from the wall to access the rear. Disconnect the vent hose from both the dryer outlet and the wall duct.
3. Inspect the flexible duct for kinks, crushing, or lint accumulation. Replace plastic or foil hoses with rigid or semi-rigid aluminum ducts for better airflow and fire resistance.
4. Use a dryer vent cleaning brush kit (available at hardware stores) to scrub the interior of the duct. Start from the dryer end and work toward the exterior.
5. Clear the outdoor vent hood. Remove bird nests, leaves, or debris blocking the flapper. Ensure the damper opens freely.
6. Vacuum the dryer’s internal lint trap housing using a shop vac or crevice tool. Lint often collects behind the lint screen compartment.
7. Reconnect all components securely, ensuring no gaps or compressions in the duct. Use metal clamps instead of tape for lasting seals.
8. Test the system by running a timed cycle and checking airflow at the exterior vent.

“Even if you clean the lint trap religiously, 90% of the problem lies beyond it — inside the duct. That’s why surface cleaning isn’t enough.” — National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Home Safety Bulletin

Do’s and Don’ts of Dryer Vent Maintenance

Do’s	Don’ts
✔ Use rigid or semi-rigid metal ducting	✖ Use plastic or foil accordion-style ducts
✔ Clean the lint trap after every load	✖ Skip lint screen cleaning assuming “it’s not full”
✔ Schedule professional vent cleaning annually	✖ Wait until there’s a problem to inspect
✔ Keep the area around the dryer clear	✖ Place flammable items near the dryer
✔ Check exterior vent clearance seasonally	✖ Block the vent with landscaping or snow

Real Example: How a Clogged Vent Cost a Family $400 in Repairs

In suburban Ohio, the Miller family noticed their electric dryer was taking nearly two hours to dry a normal load. Assuming the appliance was aging, they called a technician who diagnosed a failing heating element. After replacing the part for $280, the problem returned within weeks. A second technician suggested checking the vent. Upon inspection, he found a 12-foot duct packed with compacted lint, reducing airflow to less than 20% capacity. After cleaning, drying time dropped to 45 minutes. The initial repair had been unnecessary — the real issue was neglected maintenance. In total, the family spent $400 in avoidable costs and faced a heightened fire risk for months.

This case highlights a common misdiagnosis: symptoms of a clogged vent mimic component failures. Technicians unfamiliar with duct issues may replace parts prematurely, leaving the root cause unresolved.

When to Call a Professional

DIY cleaning works well for short, straight duct runs. However, homes with long, complex vent paths — especially those passing through ceilings, floors, or attics — require specialized tools and expertise. Professionals use high-powered vacuums, rotating brushes, and video inspection cameras to locate blockages and verify complete clearance.

Consider hiring a certified dryer vent technician if:

• Your duct is longer than 25 feet (including equivalent length for bends).
• The vent route includes multiple 90-degree turns.
• You’ve tried cleaning but drying performance hasn’t improved.
• You suspect rodent infestation or structural damage in hidden duct sections.

Tip: Ask for a service that includes a before-and-after airflow test. Reputable companies will demonstrate measurable improvement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean my dryer vent?

At minimum, clean the vent annually. Households with four or more people, pets, or frequent towel/diaper drying should consider cleaning every 6 months. Even with regular lint trap maintenance, buildup occurs deeper in the duct.

Can I use a leaf blower to clean my dryer vent?

No. While some attempt this as a DIY hack, blowing air from the outside inward can force lint deeper into the system or into the dryer cabinet, increasing fire risk. Always clean from the dryer side outward using proper brushes and vacuum systems designed for lint removal.

Is a longer drying time always due to a clogged vent?

Not always, but it’s the most common cause. Other possibilities include a faulty thermostat, malfunctioning heating element, overloaded drum, or using heavy fabric softener sheets that coat sensors. However, rule out vent blockage first — it’s the easiest and most impactful fix.

Conclusion: Act Now to Restore Efficiency and Safety

A dryer taking multiple cycles to dry clothes isn’t just an inconvenience — it’s a red flag. Lint-filled vents undermine efficiency, inflate utility bills, shorten appliance lifespan, and pose a genuine fire threat. The good news? Most of these problems are preventable with regular inspection and cleaning. Whether you choose to maintain the system yourself or hire a professional, the investment pays off in faster drying, lower energy use, and peace of mind.

Start today: Unplug your dryer, inspect the vent hose, and test the outdoor airflow. If you notice resistance, residue, or reduced performance, schedule a thorough cleaning. Small actions now can prevent costly repairs and dangerous situations down the road.

💬 Have you experienced slow drying or vent issues? Share your story or tips in the comments below — your insight could help others avoid the same mistakes.