How to clean a dryer vent– and why it’s so important
If you’re finding that clothes coming out of your dryer are still damp, even after a full drying cycle, or you’ve noticed that the outside of the dryer becomes very hot during its cycle, it may be an indicator that it's time to clean out your dryer vent ducts.
Cleaning these ducts isn’t just important for your clothes. Over time, lint can accumulate in the ducts and mix with hot air and ignite, creating a serious fire hazard. Every year, dryer duct fires cause millions in damages, hundreds of injuries and even deaths. If you ever notice a burning stench in your laundry room, best to clean your dryer vents as soon as possible!
What you’ll need to get started
° Vacuum with hose attachment
° Broom and dustpan
° Dryer duct cleaning kit
Clean the lint trap
It’s always a good idea to start by cleaning your dryer lint trap screen. Then vacuum around the lint trap and vent to clean out as much as you can. Use the lint trap brush to pull lint out of the vent and vacuum the vent again. Repeat this process until the brush comes out clean.
Disconnect the dryer
Pull the dryer out from the wall. Unplug it. If it’s a gas dryer, turn the supply valve off. Disconnect the dryer duct, which should be easily found at the back of the dryer. Remove any metal tape or clamps that attach your dryer vent pipe to its exhaust. Locate the exterior vent outside your home and remove the cover vent from the exit point.
Start cleaning with your vacuum
Use the hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner and suction in and around the hole at the back of your dryer. Next vacuum all around the entrance of the vent and vacuum as much as possible. If you’ve got a handheld vacuum, you can repeat this process on the outside duct. Otherwise, try to clear debris manually from outside.
Go deeper with your dryer vent cleaning kit
Insert the dryer brush from your vent cleaning kit into your duct. Push and pull back and forth slowly while slightly rotating it, eventually pulling the brush all the way out. Extend the brush as needed and continue until the vents are free of dust and lint. If you’re unable to thread the brush through the entirety of your duct, or if your brush doesn’t extend that long, try inserting the brush head in the outside duct as well.
Clean the area and reconnect the dryer
Vacuum or sweep the leftover accumulation of lint and dust. Reattach ducting and vent cover. Push the dryer back into place and plug it in or turn the gas valve back on. Run the dryer to 10-15 minutes on the air dry setting to make sure all the connections are strong and to dislodge any remaining lint.
Tips to keeping your dryer in tip-top shape
The key to keeping your dryer exhaust vent consistently clean is to take out the lint trap and clean it every time you run the dryer. This is critical to keeping your dryer running smoothly, improving the machine’s drying time, and decreasing the risk of fires.