dryer vent cleaning
Dryer vent cleaning, much like washing machine upkeep, is something you must put on your laundry room cleaning checklist. “Over time, lint and small debris builds up in exhaust pipes and needs to be removed,” says David Steckel, home expert for Thumbtack, the home-care app. “This buildup can reduce the efficiency of the unit and eventually become a fire hazard.
Dryer Vent Cleaning Is Easier Than You Think
In fact, dirty dryer vents are the leading cause of domestic dryer fires, according to the US Fire Administration. So you’ll want to tackle cleaning the clothes dryer vent at least once a year. The last thing you want to do is wait for a burning smell to waft through your laundry room.
How do you know it’s time to clean your dryer vent?
There are a few signs that duct cleaning is in order and you need to deal with a clogged dryer vent. Some types of dryer ducts (foil, plastic, or vinyl) are more prone to clogging and consequently can lead to a house fire. Ideally, these dryer vents could be replaced with a rigid metal duct. If that’s not possible, take extra care to ensure these dryer vents are always clean and debris-free. Homeowners should keep the following in mind.
“If you feel like it is taking longer for your clothes to get dry, you probably need to clean out the vents,” Steckel notes. Your clothes drying cycle shouldn’t take longer than the designated time allotted.
The dryer unit is hot to the touch or there’s a burning smell when you run the dryer. Your clothes should not feel extremely hot (more so than usual) when the dry cycle ends. Remember: A clog in the vent can lead to dryer fires.
Clogged dryer vents are one of the leading causes of residential fires according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The reason for all those fires? The simple failure to clean the dryer. Lint, fiber and dust can ignite in a matter of seconds. If your dryer vent is full of these particles, electrical problems or excessive heat from the dryer can cause them to catch fire. FEMA recommends cleaning dryer vents and performing regular maintenance and inspection every three months.
Emily Fazio
Preparing for dryer vent cleaning
Before getting started with cleaning your dryer vent, there are a few tools you will need and tips to consider. Consult your Use and Care Guide for any supplies specific to your model.
Tools
- Dryer cleaning kit
- Dryer cleaning brush
- Vacuum with a hose
- Screwdriver
- Vacuum crevice wand
How to make sure your dryer vent stays safe and clean?
The secret to keeping your dryer exhaust vent consistently clean lies in the lint trap. Make sure to remove any dryer lint from it every time you run the dryer while doing a load of laundry, especially if you use dryer sheets. This is critical. Not only will this help you maintain a clean dryer vent, it will keep the entire dryer running smoothly, improve your machine’s drying time, and decrease the risk of house fires.
Tips
- Unplug the dryer before beginning any sort of maintenance
- Use two or more people to move the appliance
Step 1: Locate the dryer’s exhaust vent
On the back of your dryer, you will find the unit’s ventilation hose. The hose then leads to the exhaust vent, which will typically be located outside your home.
Step 2: Unplug the power supply cord
Before proceeding in cleaning your dryer vent or moving the unit away from the wall, be sure to unplug your dryer’s power supply cord. If your dryer is a gas model, close the shut-off valve in the gas supply line, then disconnect and cap the supply line pipe.
Step 3: Pull your dryer away from the wall
With the help of another person, carefully move the dryer about one foot away from the wall. This will provide enough space behind the unit for you to access the ventilation system and clear out debris.
Step 4: Remove tape or clamps
Once the dryer has been moved, remove any tape or clamps attaching the ventilation hose to the vent on the back of the unit. In some cases a screwdriver may be required to complete this step.
Step 5: Clean the interior vent
Gently clean your dryer’s ventilation hose by using your dryer cleaning brush to swab debris from both ends of the pipe. If you have access to a vacuum with a hose, you may use it to further remove any dust or lint caught in hard to reach places.
Step 6: Clean the exterior vent
For this step, you’ll have to go outside to locate the vent. Remove the vent cover from the exterior of your home. Using your dryer cleaning brush, wipe away dust from the ductwork and use a vacuum with a hose to clear out any remaining debris. Replace the vent cover when complete.
Step 7: Reconnect the dryer
After cleaning up any remaining lint or debris, reconnect the ventilation pipe to the back of your unit. Once secure, plug in the power supply and turn the gas valve back on, if applicable.
Before You Begin
The most common sign that your dryer vent is getting clogged is longer drying times. Other hints would be a burning smell or excessive lint in the lint trap. Before you begin cleaning, unplug the dryer (or turn off the valve) and look for any obstructions.
What You Need:
To Clean Vent
- Dryer vent pipe brush ($10; homedepot.com)
- Multi-purpose lubricant such as WD-40 ($4, homedepot.com)
- Dishwashing liquid
- Bucket
- Wire vent brush
- Cloths
To Minimize Lint
- Scrub brush
- Hand or dish soap
How to Clean a Dryer Vent From Inside
Step 1: Unplug and Move the Dryer
- Turn off the gas valve if your dryer is gas-powered.
- Carefully move the dryer away from the wall and disconnect the vent pipe from the back of the dryer. You may need to remove a duct clamp or duct tape.
Step 2: Vacuum Out Lint
Using a shop vac or the hose attachment of your vacuum, suck out the lint that’s built up inside the vent tube opening at the back of the dryer.
Step 3: Clear Remaining Lint With Pipe Brush
- Clear any remaining lint sticking to the sides with an extendable dryer vent pipe brush. These are available at most home goods stores.
- Move the brush back and forth in a circular motion through the detached vent pipe, wall piping, and dryer opening. It should feel like snaking a bathroom drain to unclog it.
Step 4: Reattach the Dryer Duct
- When the lint is completely gone, reattach the dryer duct to the back of the dryer.
- Push the dryer back where it was and plug it in.
- Turn the gas valve back on.
How to Clean a Dryer Vent From Outside
Step 1: Oil the Vent Hinges
While the dryer is running, watch the exterior vent to ensure the slats and opening and closing. If they are not opening properly, use a lubricant like WD-40 to oil the hinges.
Step 2: Remove Lint and Debris
If there is lint and debris stuck within the slats, use a wire brush to remove it.
Step 3: Scrub the Vent Cover
Wash off the outer vent cover using a cloth with warm water and some dishwashing liquid to remove dirt, dust, and soil. Rinse with water and reattach the vent cover.
Tips to Keep a Dryer Vent Clean Longer
- Use a dryer sheet or wool dryer balls, to helps remove the static that can attract lint to clothes.
- Regularly remove lint from the filter after every load of laundry. This step is important not only for safety but for the overall performance of your machine.
- Regularly remove the excess lint gathered in the lint filter housing with your vacuum’s hose attachment.
- Scrub the filter every few months, especially if you use laundry dryer sheets. (Residue from dryer sheets can clog the pores of the filter). Scour the filter with hot water, soap, and a hard bristle brush and then let dry before replacing the filter housing.
When to Call a Professional
If you can’t deep clean the vent yourself or notice that the dryer still isn’t functioning properly, it might be time to call in a professional. The cost of this service depends on your geographical location, vent material, and the complexity of your particular cleaning. For a straightforward job unclogging a vent pipe, the cost ranges from $100 to $200. As clogged dryer vents can cause fires, it is extremely important to make sure they are well-maintained.
