Cleaning your dryer vent is an important home maintenance task. Many people forget about it, but it can really help. It keeps your dryer running well and extends its life.
When do you need to clean your dryer vent?
It is recommended that you clean your dryer vent once a year.
Signs you may have clogged dryer vents:
- Drying time takes longer
- Clothes are hotter than usual when they come out of the dryer
- Dryer exterior is extremely hot
- A burning smell during the dryer cycle
- Visible lint buildup around the lint trap or vent opening
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, roughly 15,500 fires are caused by clothes dryers per year. [Source]
The primary cause of these fires is lint buildup in the dryer and vent.
To reduce the risk of a dryer fire, it is recommended that you do not run your dryer while you are away from home or sleeping. Cleaning your dryer regularly is also key.
As you can see, regular dryer and vent maintenance is very important. Here are a few other benefits to keep your clothes dryer vents clean and free of debris:
- Optimizes drying time
- Lengthens the life of your clothes dryer
- Can help you save on energy bills
- Gives you peace of mind
Do clothes dryer vents affect air quality?
Yes, dryer vents can affect your air quality. The EPA considers seven volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in dryer vent emissions hazardous air pollutants. Two of those compounds, benzene and acetaldehyde, are known to cause cancer. There is no safe level of exposure to them.
Dryer vents can also contain chemicals from household products and other substances and release microplastics into the air.
How to clean your clothes dryer vents
You can hire a dryer vent cleaning service or easily do it yourself.
Here’s how to clean your dryer vents and lint trap us with the Supco Dryer Vent & Duct Cleaning Kit – 3 feet:
Supco Dryer Vent & Duct Cleaning Kit- 3 Feet
This task should take you less than 20 minutes.
Step 1: Unplug the dryer.
Step 2: Take the lint trap out.
Step 3: Connect the elongated brush attachment to the handle.
Step 4: Insert brush and turn clockwise, moving it across the opening.
Step 5: Carefully pull the brush towards you out of the lint trap and remove excess dryer lint.
Step 6: Continue to insert the brush in the lint trap opening until the brush comes out clean.
Step 7: Pull your dryer out from the wall and remove the silver tube on the back of the dryer.
Step 8: Take the rounded brush and insert it carefully into the opening to remove any lint trapped inside.
Step 9: Locate the dryer intake in the wall and remove the silver dryer vent hose.
Step 10: Insert the rounded push slowly into the opening in the wall. Turn the brush clockwise slowly to dislodge any lint trapped in the valve opening.
Step 11: To extend the handle up to 3 feet, you can screw the handles together so that you can get the brush further up the valve.
Step 12: Slowly turn and carefully pull towards you to remove the lint buildup.
Step 13: Do so until the brush comes out clean.
Step 14: After cleaning each area, reattach any removed parts, place the lint trap back in the opening, plug the dryer back in, and resume normal use.
For best results, do this at least once a year.
From regular air filter replacements to refrigerator and water filter maintenance, it’s our mission to help you increase the longevity of your home’s assets. For more home maintenance information, check out the rest of the Filtered Files Blog.
Are you looking for dryer replacement parts? We’ve got you covered there, too. You can find genuine replacement lint screens, dryer timers, belts, and more for various brands when you shop at FiltersFast.com.
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