Dryer Guide
Dryer Vent and Tube Cleaning
Lint that escapes the filter builds up in the vent tube and ductwork over time. A clogged vent makes the dryer work harder, run longer, and — because trapped lint is highly flammable — it's a genuine fire hazard.
Cleaning it is part maintenance, part safety. Here's how to tell when it's overdue.
Signs your vent is clogged
- Clothes take two cycles to dry, or come out hot and damp.
- The dryer or the laundry feels unusually hot to the touch.
- A burning or musty smell during a cycle.
- The outside vent flap barely opens, or little air comes out when the dryer runs.
How to clean it, and how often
- Clean the lint filter every load — it's the first line of defence.
- Disconnect the flexible transition tube behind the dryer and clear it; replace crushed or kinked foil tubes with rigid or semi-rigid duct.
- Clear the full vent run to the exterior at least once a year — more often for a large household or a long duct run.
- Use a vent brush kit for the duct; vacuum what you loosen.
When to call a pro
Long duct runs, rooftop or second-storey vents, and ducts you can't reach are worth handing to a technician with proper rotary brushes and a vacuum. It's also a good time to confirm the vent isn't crushed inside the wall, which no amount of brushing will fix.
Rather have a pro handle it?
Our technicians repair this across Toronto and the GTA — same-day in many cases, with clear pricing and a warranty on the work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a dryer vent be cleaned?+
At least once a year for most homes. Clean it more often if you do frequent loads, have a long or winding duct, or notice drying times creeping up.