Appliance maintenance
Dryer maintenance hub
Dryer maintenance guides for lint screens, exhaust vents, airflow, and repair decisions. Find safe cleaning steps and signs that call for qualified service.
Start with this safe checklist
- Clean the lint screen as specified before each use.
- Do not crush, extend, or improvise the vent run.
- Arrange qualified vent service when airflow or safety is uncertain.
Use your model manuals and local requirements as the final authority. If a task involves fuel, energized equipment, refrigerant, concealed damage, a steep roof, or a permit, arrange qualified local help.
Guides in this collection
applianceHow Long Does a Dryer Last? (Gas vs. Electric)
A dryer lasts about 13 years on average, gas or electric. What actually shortens that number, real repair costs by part, and the signs it's dying.
applianceHow Often to Clean Your Dryer Lint Trap (and Vent)
CPSC says clean the lint screen before or after every load. Here's the water test for hidden residue and how to tell the trap isn't the real problem.
applianceDryer Vent Cleaning: How Often and Why It Prevents Fires
The dryer vent, not the lint trap, is where CPSC-documented fires start. How to spot a clogged duct, DIY limits, and 2026 professional cleaning costs.