How long do clothes dryers last?
Most clothes dryers last 10 to 15 years. The NAHB study lists about 13 years for a dryer.
The main safety job with a dryer is keeping lint out of the vent. Fire-safety agencies such as the U.S. Fire Administration point to lint buildup as a leading cause of dryer fires, so this page spends most of its checklist there.
Typical lifespan: 10 to 15 years
The NAHB study lists about 13 years for a dryer.
Clothes dryer maintenance checklist by season
Spring
Disconnect the vent duct and vacuum it, and clean the outside vent cap so the flap opens freely. Clean the lint screen after every load, and wash it with soap and water now and then since fabric softener leaves a film.
Summer
Check that the duct run is as short and straight as possible and is rigid or semi-rigid metal. Plastic or foil accordion duct traps lint. Look behind the dryer for kinks.
Fall
Check the drum for snagged items, and the felt seals or drum rollers for wear if you hear squeaking. Clean the lint trap housing with a vacuum crevice tool.
Winter
Snow or ice over the outdoor vent can block exhaust. Keep it clear. Longer drying times than usual are a sign of a restricted vent.
Signs your clothes dryer needs replacing
- Clothes take more than one cycle to dry even after cleaning the lint screen and duct.
- The outside of the dryer is very hot, or there is a burning smell. Stop using it.
- The drum does not turn, or it squeals, thumps or grinds.
- A gas dryer smells of gas. Leave the house and call the gas utility from outside.
- The heating element or igniter fails repeatedly.
Typical clothes dryer warranty
A limited one-year warranty on parts and labor is common, often with longer parts-only coverage on the drum or heating element on some models. Terms differ by brand.
An appliance warranty tracker keeps your clothes dryer's coverage dates and receipt in one place.
What to keep for a clothes dryer
- The receipt and delivery record
- Model and serial number, often on a label inside the door opening
- The manual and the vent installation instructions
- The date you last cleaned the duct
Common questions
How long do clothes dryers last?
Most clothes dryers last 10 to 15 years. The NAHB study lists about 13 years for a dryer.
How often should I clean the dryer vent?
At least once a year is a common recommendation, and more often with heavy use or a long duct run. Clean the lint screen every load.
Should I repair or replace an old dryer?
Belts, rollers and thermal fuses are cheap and worth fixing. If the drum, motor or control board fails on a dryer past about 10 years, replacing is often the better call.
How do I maintain a clothes dryer?
Follow your manual first. Each season: spring, disconnect the vent duct and vacuum it, and clean the outside vent cap so the flap opens freely. Clean the lint screen after every load, and wash it with soap and water now and then since fabric softener leaves a film. Fall, check the drum for snagged items, and the felt seals or drum rollers for wear if you hear squeaking. Clean the lint trap housing with a vacuum crevice tool.