How to Clean Your Dryer Vent

• Clothes take longer than usual to dry.
• Clothes come out hotter than normal at the end of a drying cycle.
• The outside of the dryer feels unusually hot during operation.
• There's a burning smell while the dryer is running.
• Lint buildup is visible around the dryer's lint trap or vent opening.
• The lint trap doesn't capture as much lint as it used to.
• Excessive lint accumulation on clothing after drying.
• Decreased airflow from the dryer vent.
• Increased humidity or moisture in the laundry room.
• Presence of birds or pests near the exhaust vent, indicating blockage.

• Before cleaning your dryer vent, locate the vent itself, which should be easily found at the back of the dryer. Also locate the dryer exhaust vent at your home's exterior.
• The first step of how to clean a dryer vent is to unplug the dryer. If you have a gas dryer, turn the supply valve off while cleaning.
• Pull the dryer away from the wall about a foot to begin cleaning your dryer vent.
• Disconnect the dryer duct from the back of the dryer. You may need to use a screwdriver to disconnect the vent clamp.

Tip: Some types of flexible dryer hose made of plastic, vinyl or foil are more likely to become clogged and cause fires, so replace them with ductwork that meets your local building codes when assessing how to clean your dryer vent.

• While wearing safety gloves, remove lint from the hole at the back of the dryer.
• Cleaning lint from a dryer duct requires a vacuum. Use the hose attachment of a vacuum cleaner or shop vac to clean in and around the hole at the back of the dryer.
• If you can detach the length of duct where it meets the wall, do so. It will make cleaning it easier.
• Cleaning a dryer duct isn't difficult. Remove lint from the duct by hand and then vacuum the inside of the duct. Use hose extensions, if available, to vacuum out as much of the duct as you can.
• Go outside the house and remove the exterior vent cover.
• Clean out the dryer vent from the outside using a vacuum.

Tip: Some homeowners use a leaf blower to expel dust through the vent from inside, but this tends to be a less efficient system for most homes.

When learning how to clean your dryer vent, first determine whether the interior or exterior opening of your house is higher and begin brushing on the higher side. Gravity will help loosen the lint. If your dryer vent is too long to efficiently use a vacuum to remove the lint, buy a dryer vent kit or dryer vent brushes for an alternate method.

• These kits contain flexible brushes with extensions that can drain snakes and clean the vent’s interior walls more thoroughly.
• The first step to cleaning a dryer duct is to feed the brush into the duct and move it back and forth while slightly rotating it.
• Extend the brush as needed and continue until the vents are free of dust and lint.

• When finished cleaning, inspect the ducts to make sure they are undamaged and up to safety codes. Replace ducts if needed.
• Reattach ductwork and vent cover. If necessary, seal sections of ductwork with UL-listed metal foil duct tape.
• Push the dryer back into place and plug it in or turn the gas valve back on.
• To test the dryer, run it for 15 to 20 minutes on the fluff or air dry setting to make sure all the connections are strong and to dislodge any remaining debris.

Tip: If the above vent cleaning steps are insufficient, consider hiring a dryer vent cleaning service.

Reducing the amount of dust and lint in and around your dryer may reduce how often you need to clean the dryer vent.

• Regularly sweep and dust the area around the dryer.
• Remove the lint trap filter and clean it out before every cycle. It’s quick, easy and makes a big difference in your dryer’s performance.
• On a regular basis, remove the lint screen and vacuum in and around the lint filter housing with the hose attachment of the vacuum cleaner.
• Dryer sheets can leave residue on a lint screen that can build up over time. If the lint screen is clogged, use a spray bottle filled with a mold remover or even warm, soapy water. Then use a scrub brush to wash it. Rinse it with clean water and dry it off with a towel.

It's important to remove lint regularly to avoid lint buildup. Cleaning lint from a dryer ultimately protects your home from house fires as well. Not only can the lint catch fire due to buildup, but if a fire were to start due to other circumstances, the lint would provide fuel, causing the fire to grow. Cleaning a dryer vent not only keeps your home safe, but it also keeps your dryer working properly and efficiently.

• Wear appropriate protective gear such as gloves and a mask to prevent exposure to lint and dust.
• Unplug the dryer from the power outlet before starting any cleaning procedures.
• Turn off the gas supply valve if you have a gas dryer.
• Open windows and doors to ensure proper ventilation during cleaning.
• Inspect the vent hose for any signs of damage or wear, and replace if necessary.
• Avoid using sharp objects or abrasive materials that could damage the vent or create sparks.
• Consider hiring a professional if you're unsure about safely cleaning the dryer vent yourself.
• Reassemble the dryer properly after cleaning and ensure all connections are secure before turning it back on.
• Regularly schedule maintenance and cleaning to prevent lint buildup and reduce the risk of fire hazards.

If you want to know how to clean a dryer vent from outside, follow these steps:

• Locate the exterior dryer vent outlet on the outside of your house.
• Remove any debris or lint buildup from the exterior vent opening using a vent brush or vacuum cleaner with a narrow attachment.
• Inspect the vent flap for any damage or obstruction, and clean it if necessary to ensure proper airflow.
• Use a damp cloth to wipe down the exterior vent cover to remove dirt, dust, and grime.
• Reattach the vent hose to the dryer and plug it back in, ensuring all connections are secure before using the dryer again.