How to Clean a Dryer Vent in 8 Simple Steps

Dryers require schedule servicing for steady top efficiency. The dryer vent accumulates dust, lint, and grime more than time, generating it critical to plan a cleanup.

Soiled dryer vents can cause your equipment to heat up, just take longer than normal to dry a load of laundry, and in the long run increase your electricity expenses. Any blockage together the vents slows down suitable air circulation and can ultimately direct to pricey repairs or pose a fire danger in your house.

Hiring a expert to aid you clear your dry vents is flawlessly fantastic. Even so, if you want to take care of the operate by by yourself and nonetheless do a meticulous task, right here is a thorough manual with 8 basic steps. We will also go over what you require for the task and how usually your dryer vents need a very good scrub.

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The 8 Steps For Cleaning Your Dryer Vent

1. Preparation

Cleaning the dryer vent is a basic job that must not just take a lot more than an hour. But ahead of you get started out, you must get a couple of equipment and materials prepared for the project.

  • Dryer cleaning kit
  • A vacuum cleaner with a hose
  • Broom and dustpan
  • Lint brush with a flexible wand
  • Screwdriver
  • Gloves (optional)

Also, look for the help of a friend, specifically if you deficiency the muscle mass and elbow grease to do a one particular-particular person job when transferring your dryer. Some help is always advisable because you need to be further cautious when disconnecting the equipment from the energy or gas line and shifting it to accessibility the vent.

yellow and black vacuum cleaner on the floor
Image Credit: cottonbro, Pexels

2. Locate the Ductwork

Dryers have really straightforward ventilation methods, and locating them is straightforward. Transfer your appliance somewhat to entry the back again side and uncover a hose that prospects to the exhaust vent in the exterior of your house. The hose hooked up to the dryer connects to devoted ductwork that makes it possible for very hot air to escape outside the house.

From the exteriors of your residence, you will recognize an exit vent generally installed at floor stage. It has a plastic include that opens, enabling sizzling air to movement out, and closes to discourage animals from constructing their nests within the vent. Get acquainted with the ductwork just before proceeding to the following phase.


3. Disconnect the Dryer

Disconnect your dryer from the electrical power or gasoline lines. Unplugging the device from electrical power is simple, despite the fact that using the necessary precautionary steps if you have a gas dryer is essential.

The next action is to inspect the ductwork to uncover any clamps or steel tapes attaching the dryer vent pipe to the exhaust vent. Remove the connecting materials and pull the dryer vent from the wall duct. Your screwdriver will appear in handy during this step, particularly if the air flow hose is secured on the wall with a clamp.

Be light when removing the clamp to stay away from breaking any plastic on the ductwork. Also, go outdoors to access the exit position of the ductwork and use your screwdriver to remove the duct go over.


4. Move the Dryer

Now that you have detached the ventilation hose from the wall, you can shift your dryer some much more to develop sufficient operating area. Relying on the dimension of the machine, you might want the assist of a friend. If you cannot find support, usually use an equipment dolly and safe the device with bungee cords.


5. Clean the Interior and Exterior Vent

Commence by employing a vacuum cleaner with a versatile hose to clean out any seen filth and lint in the dryer vent. If you have a cordless vacuum cleaner, entry the exhaust pipe exterior and eliminate obvious lint.

It’s time to dig inside with your lint brush to clean the ductwork. Insert it into the vent and increase the wand to attain as considerably as attainable. Spin the brush counter-clockwise to loosen filth and lint lodged in the ductwork. If you spin it clockwise, you risk unscrewing the segments of your versatile wand. Aim to get to the duct’s conclude and push out any filth clogging the vent.

dryer vent interior
Image Credit: Lost_in_the_Midwest, Shutterstock

6. Clean the Vent Cover

There’s much more to cleansing the dryer vent than eliminating buildup from the filter and ductwork. You need to also give the vent include a sparklingly cleanse appear by washing it with heat soapy drinking water. Permit it dry and fasten it again into the wall.


7. Tidy up

If you haven’t cleaned the dryer vent in a prolonged time, you must count on really a mess from the ductwork. Pick up the lint, dust, and dust with your broom and dustpan, and vacuum the small granules remaining on the ground. Relying on the type of junk you are working with, you may also want to mop your laundry space.

Ahead of wrapping up the venture, reconnect the vents, go your dryer to its situation, and plug it into your wall outlet.


8. Take a Test Run

If you have reconnected every thing appropriately, your dryer ought to perform flawlessly. Operate an empty dryer cycle for ten to 15 minutes to clear residual dust alongside the vents. You must notice increased operating simply because of the enhanced airflow.

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When, Why, and How Often Should You Clean Your Dryer Vent?

Cleaning your dryer’s vent aids to remove lint, dirt, and debris buildup that can affect the machine’s effectiveness. You can tell that your dryer vent needs cleaning if you discover the following signs.

  • The machine takes longer to dry a load of laundry
  • There’s a sudden spike in your power bills
  • Overheating of the machine’s exteriors
  • Clothes from the dryer have an odd burning smell
  • Dirt or debris around the hose
  • The vent hood flaps don’t open properly

Why Should You Clean Your Dryer Vent?

Trying to keep the dryer vents clean can increase the machine’s effectiveness and minimize the power needed to dry your loads of laundry. It will also increase the appliance’s longevity because your dryer wants to function 2 times as hard when the vents are soiled or clogged. Cleaning also lowers the likelihood of breakdowns that call for costly repairs and, most importantly, lowers the threat of a home fireplace.

How Often Should You Clean Your Dryer Vent?

The ideal frequency for cleansing your dryer vent will depend on numerous factors. These aspects consist of the dimensions of your family and how typically you use the equipment, whether or not you have pets in your property, and so on. But normally, you will need to thoroughly clean the vent at the very least after every year.

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Final Thoughts

The vent is perhaps the most ignored component of your dryer. However, it is inclined to lint and grime accumulation that can impact the efficiency of the whole machine. We hope you now comprehend why, when, and how to thoroughly clean your dryer vent.

To stop any troubles stemming from a clogged dryer vent, really don’t fail to remember to inspect the ductwork periodically. Also, obvious any hurdles on the outdoors, like shrubs and pest nests, to guarantee suitable airflow and the removing of lint. While you cannot cease lint buildup totally, you can slow it down and, by extension, avert problematic clogs.


Showcased Graphic Credit rating: Greenseas, Shutterstock

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