How Often Should Dryer Vents Be Cleaned in Florida?

The general rule for most Florida homes

For the average household, dryer vents should be professionally cleaned at least once per year. This helps maintain proper airflow, reduce overheating, and lower the risk of lint-related dryer fires.

In Florida, this yearly recommendation is especially important because dryers often work harder due to higher humidity and longer drying cycles.

Homes that should clean dryer vents more often

Some households should inspect and clean dryer vents more frequently — typically every 6–8 months.

• Large families with frequent laundry use
• Rental properties or short-term rentals
• Homes with long or vertical vent runs
• Gas dryers (higher fire risk)
• Dryers that take longer than normal to dry clothes

Warning signs your dryer vent needs cleaning

Don’t rely on time alone. Many dryer vent issues show clear warning signs before becoming a serious safety problem.

• Clothes take more than one cycle to dry
• Dryer feels unusually hot to the touch
• Laundry room becomes hot or humid
• Burning or musty smell while the dryer runs
• Visible lint behind the dryer or at the exterior vent

Why Florida homes face higher dryer vent risk

Florida’s climate creates unique conditions. Humidity can cause lint to clump and stick inside the vent, while salt air near coastal areas may accelerate corrosion or debris buildup at exterior vent terminations.

Combined with frequent dryer use, these factors make routine inspections especially important for South Florida homeowners.

Inspection-first is the safest approach

Instead of guessing, an inspection-first approach confirms whether your vent needs cleaning, how severe the buildup is, and whether there are airflow or installation issues that should be addressed.

Catching lint buildup early is far easier — and safer — than dealing with a completely blocked or overheated vent line.