In this article, we will discuss how to clean dryer vent? The vent on your clothes dryer can become clogged with lint over a certain period of time. This may cause your dryer to dry less efficiently. This can also result in dangerous house fires. Therefore it is very necessary to clean your dryer vent periodically to maintain its efficacy and also prevent your home from any accident. Below we have mentioned some steps that you should follow in order to clean dryer vent. Follow the steps thoroughly for positive result.
Steps to Clean Dryer Vent
- First, you will need to unplug the dryer from both electric and gas. In case you have a gas dryer, turn off the gas.
- Secondly, pull your dryer out just to the extension of your vent. This will be about 1½ to 2 feet or 0.5 m to 0.6 m.
- Now, using a screwdriver or a nut driver, loosen the four-inch clamp (or vent clamp) on the back of your dryer. Move the vent off the dryer.
- Then, get to the hole on the back of the dryer vent, and get rid of any lint and buildup. Try to reach in as far as possible. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to reach inside. It is generally very useful in removing the lint.
- Now, you will need to reach into the vent tubing that you just took off. Simply get rid of lint from there as well. The vacuum will works well here as well.
- You will find that most of the lint is build up at the ends which are within a foot reach, and not a lot in the middle of the vents. However, if you find a large accumulation in the middle, you may need to use a plumbing snake to get rid of it. You can also use a coat hanger or dowel if the path is straight. But, these can get jammed in the material and may even cause leaks. Try to use flexible hose on your vacuum cleaner to reach inside.
- Now, move the clamp back over the vent. Attach the vent again, tighten the clamp well, and slide the dryer back into its location.
- Next, you will also need to remove the vent on the outside of the house. This vent may have caulking around the cover, as well as on the screws. For this, you will need to use a razor knife to cut away the caulk.
- After that, reach inside and clean out the lint properly. You can also insert the vacuum cleaner tubing into the tubing of dryer exhaust. Try to reach as far as your arms allow you to or else just use the vacuum tubing.
- Now check thoroughly into the vent to see in case you missed anything. If you find that there is still some lint and is out of reach, you can use a plumber’s snake or any other similar tool like vacuum cleaner tubing.
- After getting rid of lint completely, switch on the gas and plug the unit back in its place.
- Now, run the dryer on air fluff for around 10 minutes at least. The dirt and debris which would have loosened will fly out, so remember not to stand right outside it.
- Give a thorough check to the outside vent for any obstructions.
- Finally re-join the outside vent and you are ready with your dryer vent.
- Follow this cleaning process periodically to keep the efficiency of your dryer well.
