Check these first, whatever the brand
- Clean the lint filter
Before or after every load. A full filter alone can set off the warning.
- Clean the duct
Unplug the dryer (and turn off the gas on a gas dryer), disconnect the duct and brush or vacuum the lint out of it.
- Check the outside hood
The flaps should open freely, with no lint, snow or nest blocking them.
- Check the duct itself
Keep the duct or hose as short and straight as possible, with no kinks or crushed sections behind the dryer, and no longer than your manual allows. For fixed ducts, US makers ask for rigid or semi-rigid metal, never plastic or foil.
- Run it again
Dry a load and see whether the warning comes back. Some dryers also have a built-in vent test.
When it's time for an engineer
If the duct is clean and correctly fitted and the warning keeps coming back, have the duct run and the dryer's sensor checked. Long or hidden duct runs are best cleaned by a professional.
Parts people end up buying
Only once the checks point to a part. Match it to your model number: it's on a label inside the door, around the door frame or on the back.
- Dryer vent cleaning kitSearch on Amazon
- Rigid metal dryer ductSearch on Amazon
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Questions people ask
How often should a dryer vent be cleaned?
Clean the lint filter every load, and the duct at least once a year, more often with heavy use or a long duct run.
Is a blocked dryer vent dangerous?
Yes. Lint is flammable, and a blocked duct traps heat. Clean it before you keep using the dryer.