How to Clean Your Dryer Vent: Step-by-Step Guide with Pictures

Cleaning your dryer vent duct is an essential home maintenance task that extends beyond simply cleaning lint out of the dryer lint trap. Many people forget about it, but it can really help. It can enhance your dryer’s performance and extend its life.

When should you 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
• The dryer exterior is extremely hot
• A burning smell during the dryer cycle
• Visible lint buildup around the lint trap or vent opening

Other common dryer vent issues

Even when you prioritize regularly cleaning your dryer vents, you can still experience some trouble. Animals, such as birds and rodents, can enter dryer vents through exterior vent covers. If you see evidence of a nest, animal droppings, or hear strange noises near your vent, call a professional. They can remove the blockage and pest-proof the vent.

Ducts can also become damaged or disconnected over time, which is something you should watch out for. Regularly inspect your vent for cracks, tears, or looseness. Usually, you can easily patch small holes or tears; however, if you encounter a large rip or a crushed section, it is best to replace it.

You can easily fix most dryer vent issues with regular maintenance, proactiveness, and some DIY know-how. However, when in doubt, always call in a professional.

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 and minimize fire hazard, 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 vital. 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

How to Prevent Dryer Vent Clogs

While regularly cleaning is key, prevention is just as essential. Here are a few simple ways you can keep your dryer vent clear and safe:

1. Clean the lint trap after each load of laundry. This is the easiest way to prevent lint buildup.
2. Do a visual inspection once a month. Check for any kinks, build-up, or blockages in the vent hose or exterior vent cap.
3. Avoid large loads. Large and heavy loads create more lint and can restrict airflow.
4. Limit dryer sheet use. While dryer sheets can be useful and make your clothes smell great, they leave residue on your lint trap, which can accumulate over time.

If possible, opt for a rigid metal vent over a plastic one. Rigid metal vents are a safer option because they are less likely to trap lint and are easier to clean. Although it’s easier said than done, maintaining your dryer regularly can help it function more efficiently and reduce the risk of fire.

Do clothes dryer vents affect air quality?

Yes, dryer vents can affect your indoor 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.

Should You Hire a Professional to Clean Your Dryer Vents?

You can hire a dryer vent cleaning service or clean it yourself easily.

Cleaning your dryer vent can be a task you can do yourself, but there are many benefits to hiring a professional. You can have peace of mind that your dryer ducts have been thoroughly cleaned and done so safely. It can also be a fantastic time saver. A professional dryer cleaning service can cost anywhere from $100 to several hundred dollars.

You should seriously consider hiring a professional if:

• Your vent runs a long distance and has several bends and turns.
• If you can access, reach, or see both ends.
• If there’s a lot of buildup that you just can’t seem to clear.
• If it’s been years since the dryer vent was cleaned.
• If you are uneasy about working with the dryer’s connections.

How to Properly Clean A Dryer Vent

If you want to go the DIY route, here’s how to clean your dryer vents and lint trap with the Supco Dryer Vent & Duct Cleaning Kit – 3 feet:

Supco Dryer Vent & Duct Cleaning Kit- 3 Feet

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This task should take you less than 20 minutes.

Step 1: For an electric dryer, simply unplug the dryer from the outlet.

For gas dryers, turn off the gas supply by using the shut-off valve, typically located near the dryer. Do not disconnect gas lines unless you are a trained professional.

Before you start cleaning, protect yourself with a dust mask. This will help you avoid stray lint and dust that might stir up in the air while you clean.

Step 2: Remove the lint trap.

Step 3: Connect the elongated brush attachment to the handle.

Step 4: Insert the 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 into the lint trap opening until it comes out clean.

Step 7: Pull your dryer away from the wall and remove the silver exhaust tube (also called a vent hose) on the back of the dryer. Look for any signs of damage and replace if needed.

Step 8: Gently insert the rounded brush into the opening to remove any lint that may be trapped inside.

Step 9: Locate the dryer intake in the wall and remove the silver dryer vent hose. With the vent hose completely disconnected, use the cleaning brush to clean the hose. This dislodges any debris that may be stuck in the 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, screw the handles together to reach 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 and place the lint trap back in the opening.

If you have a gas dryer, turn the gas valve back on. For electric models, plug the dryer into the outlet and resume regular use.

For good measure, give your dryer a test run. You can set it to an air cycle or run a small load of laundry to ensure that it’s working correctly. Verify that the vent is securely in place and functioning properly.

For a little extra peace of mind, head outside and check the exterior dryer vent to make sure that you can feel airflow. If you feel air coming from the vent, this means everything is working as it should.

For optimal results, perform this procedure at least once a year.

How to Clean the Exterior Dryer Vent

Taking care of the exterior dryer vent is just as important as the interior components. A blocked exterior vent can reduce efficiency and increase the risk of fire. Here are a few ways to care for the outside vent:

• First, locate the exterior event. You can usually find it on an outside wall near the laundry room.
• Remove the cover or flap. Use a screwdriver if needed.
• Inspect the cover for any dents, cracks, or blockages.
• Use a vent cleaning brush or vacuum hose attachment to remove lint inside and around the vent.
• Once you’ve cleared the vent, reattach the cover.
• Regularly taking care of the exterior will not only help your dryer, but also help keep your home safer.

From regular air filter replacements to refrigerator and water filter maintenance, it’s our mission to help you extend the lifespan of your home’s essential components. 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 Filters Fast.

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