Has it been a while since you cleaned your dryer vent? And we’re not talking about the lint trap you clean out after every load. The dryer vent – the one that goes to the outside of your home – is an important home maintenance item that should be cleaned at least once a year (more if you have a large family and do a lot of laundry, do a lot of bulky laundry, or notice it not drying as well as usual).
Why is this so important? First, it’s a safety issue. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, more than 15,000 structure fires each year are caused by clothes dryers, and 80 percent of those are due to clogged dryer vents. Second, cleaning your dryer vent will make your dryer more efficient and save energy. Finally, it will help reduce wear and tear on your dryer and make it last longer.
So, if it’s been a while since you’ve cleaned the dryer vent, now is the perfect time to tackle this important task. Need some direction? Below is a step-by-step guide on how to do this relatively simple task yourself.
Locate Your Vent Beginning and End
Before you begin the cleaning process, locate the beginning and end of your vent. The beginning will be in the wall behind the dryer – your dryer will be connected to it with a duct. The end will be on the exterior of your home. This is where the hot air exits your house, and it will most likely have a vent cover over it.
Disconnect Your Dryer
To get started, you will want to disconnect your dryer. First, unplug the power cord. If you have a gas dryer, you will also want to turn off the supply valve while cleaning. Next, pull the dryer away from the wall so you can access the duct and the vent. Remove the dryer duct by removing any clamps or metal tape – for clamps, you will need a screwdriver. For gas dryers, be sure to be very careful around the gas line so you do not damage it.
Clean the Vent
For the cleaning, you will want your vacuum with the hose attachments and a vent brush (a dryer kit with flexible brushes and extensions is a great tool to have here). You may also want a mask to avoid breathing in lint and other debris and eye protection. Starting inside your home, insert the vent brush into the ductwork and spin it while feed it back and forth. Get the brush as far into the vent as possible and be sure to clean it off periodically for the best cleaning results. Once you have cleaned as much lint out as you can with the brush, use the hose attachment on your vacuum to clean out any remaining lint. Then, use your vacuum to clean in and around the hole in the back of the dryer. Before heading outside to the end of the exhaust vent, clean out the ductwork that connects the dryer to the wall. You can use whatever works best for you on this, the brush or the vacuum.
Now, it’s time to head outside. Go to the end of your vent, and if there is a cover over it, carefully remove it. Repeat the same process you used at the vent opening in the wall inside to clean it. Use your brush to remove and dislodge as much lint as possible, then vacuum up any remaining lint.
Clean Up Any Mess
Removing lint will leave a mess on the floor behind the dryer. Before you reconnect everything and push the dryer back in place, be sure to sweep and/or vacuum up the lint and other debris left behind. If there is a residue on the floor, you may want to mop or wipe it up with soapy water. If you left a mess outside near the end of the vent, use a broom to clean that up as well.
Reconnect Your Dryer
Now that your vents are clean, it’s time to reconnect your dryer. First, inspect your ducts and make sure there is no damage. If you find damage, now is the time to do repairs or replacements. Once the ducts are up to standard, reattach the ductwork and any vent covers you removed. If the ductwork is not sealed well, use UL-listed metal foil duct tape to seal it completely. Plug the dryer back in, and if you have a gas dryer, turn the gas back on.
Before pushing the dryer back into place, run it for 15 to 20 minutes on the fluff or air-drying setting to make sure all connections are connected and, if you have a gas dryer, ensure there are no gas leaks. Once satisfied the connections are good. Push the dryer back in place.
Tips to Avoid Lint Buildup
The No. 1 tip for avoiding lint buildup is to clean out the lint trap before every cycle. It’s a good idea to regularly vacuum in and around the link filter housing and to regularly sweep and dust the area around the dryer. Finally, if you notice lint screen is clogged (dryer sheets can leave a residue that can build up over time), use a scrub brush to wash it in warm, soapy water. Rinse the screen thoroughly and dry it off before putting it back in the dryer.
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