How to Clean a Dryer Vent? Step-by-Step Safety Guide

A clogged or dirty dryer vent and ductwork can cause major inconveniences and even pose a fire hazard. In fact, dirty dryer vents cause fires in thousands of houses every year in the United States. The key to preventing this risk is knowing when and how to clean your dryer vent.

A clean and unclogged dryer vent is important to dry clothes and ensure proper airflow; hence, cleaning the vent regularly is essential. This blog covers a step-by-step guide to cleaning the dryer vent with precautionary measures.

How Often Should a Dryer Vent Be Cleaned?

The dryer vent should be cleaned depending on its usage. Here is the frequency of cleaning :

• The dryer vent must be cleaned at least once a year, or sometimes, twice a year if you use the dryer more frequently and excessively.

• It's important to deep clean the dryer's entire ventilation system once every two years.

• Always clean the dryer's lint trap after each use.

Tools and Supplies to Clean the Dryer Vent

Supplies:

• Dryer cleaning kit or cleaning brush

• Vacuum with a hose

Tools:

• Screwdriver

• Safety Gloves

How to Clean a Dryer Vent? Step-by-Step Guide?

The following are the steps that will help you clean the dryer vent via a DIY method.

Step #1: Vacuum the Dryer Vent

• Wear a pair of safety gloves. Then, begin by removing the dryer lint trap compartment and cleaning it.

• Next, take a wire brush to loosen the hidden lint inside the lint trap compartment.

• Now, connect a long nozzle to the vacuum to get rid of all the dust and loosened lint from the compartment. Also, homeowners can use a shop vac as an alternative. After vacuuming the dryer lint, put it back into place.

Step #2: Locate and Unplug the Dryer

• Locate the vent, which can be easily found at the back of the dryer. Also, find the dryer exhaust vent outside of the house. Importantly, unplug the dryer, which is the first step of cleaning the vent.

• If you have a gas dryer, turn off the supply valve while cleaning.

• Next, move the dryer a foot away from the wall to access the vent hose before starting to clean. Then, use a screwdriver to disconnect the vent hose from the dryer, which is usually held in place with a vent clamp.

Step #3: Clean the Vent Hose

• Start by using a dryer vent cleaning brush in the house to break up the lint and debris from inside.

• During the process, vacuum out all the loosened lint to clear the hose. Keep repeating the process until it's entirely clean of all the debris.

Step #4: Brush the Dryer Duct

• Begin by gently pushing the cleaning brush inside the duct and move it to and fro while slightly rotating it to loosen any lint.

• Then, remove the lint by vacuuming the duct. However, if the duct is too long for a vacuum to properly clean it, use a dryer vent kit or dryer vent brushes as an alternate method.

• Those kits contain brushes and extensions that can properly clean the duct. Homeowners can extend the brush using the extensions and continue cleaning the duct until it's free of dust and lint.

Step #5: Check the Exterior and Interior Vent

• First, homeowners need to identify whether the dryer duct is higher on the exterior opening or the interior opening.

• If it's higher on the exterior opening, start brushing from outside and clean towards the exterior. Gravity will help loosen the lint.

• If it's higher on the interior opening, start brushing from inside and clean towards the exterior. Gravity will help loosen the lint.

• Now, get rid of any lint, debris, or obstruction. Also, if required, use soapy water to clean the cover.

• Lastly, consider installing a vent guard to prevent critters from entering the vent.

Step #6: Clean the Back Panel and Reassemble the Dryer

• The back panel also gets covered with the built-up lint and debris. Keep in mind to vacuum properly and wipe it down with warm water.

• After all the cleaning, inspect the duct for any damage and whether they are up to safety codes. Replace the ducts if required.

• Reattach the vent hose and dryer to the wall and secure it tightly with the vent clamps.

• Push the dryer back into place and plug it. At the end, turn on the gas valve.

Step #7: Test the Dryer

• Run a short-air cycle for 10-15 minutes to check the proper airflow and ensure all the connections are reassembled securely. Also, to dislodge any remaining debris.

Signs to Clean the Dryer Vent

The following are some signs that indicate it's time to clean the dryer vent:

• Your clothes take longer than usual to dry.

• After cleaning a load of clothes, they may come out unusually warmer than the normal temperature.

• During the clothes cleaning process, the dryer feels hotter than usual.

• You notice a burning smell when the dryer is running.

• You can see the lint is piling up around the lint trap or vent opening.

• The lint trap has stopped catching the lint as much as it should.

• Clothes come out of the dryer with extra lint stuck to them.

• The weak air flow is coming from the dryer vent.

• The laundry room feels more humid or damp than normal.

• You may spot birds or pests close to the exhaust vent, which is a sign of blockage.

Average Cost of Dryer Vent Cleaning

One of the significant stages of cleaning is to be aware of the cost requirement. Generally, dryer repairs or service visits cost between $200 and $350, depending on whether the warranty is still active. Regular maintenance and cleaning can extend the lifespan of the appliances and avoid blockage in the dryer vent.

Precautions to Keep the Dryer Vent Safe and Clean

Here are various preventive measures that can keep the dryer vent safe and clean:

• Ensure to remove the lint from the lint trap after every load, particularly if dryer sheets are used. This can reduce the risk of fires in homes and help operate the appliance smoothly. It also improves the machine's drying time and keeps it clean.

• Install a lint trap on a washing machine hose to capture the lint before it reaches inside the dryer. This can decrease lint easily.

• Make sure not to leave the house when the dryer is running because if it catches fire, the extent of damage can be severe. However, when you are present at home, you can call the fire department and reduce damage.

• Lastly, avoid keeping the dryer in a room full of clutter and storage, especially on the dryer itself. This can prevent a fire hazard.

Final Note

Cleaning a dryer vent takes time, but it can be done easily with the right tools and supplies. But if you believe that these step-by-step cleaning procedures are insufficient, you may always reach out to a dryer vent cleaning service. However, you will be required to calculate the cost of cleaning. Hence, it's worth giving it a try on your own while considering the precautionary measures.