If you’re cleaning the laundry room, you might also clean the clothes dryer vent. Knowing how to thoroughly clean a dryer vent is important for hygiene and safety: According to the US Fire Administration, dirty dryer vents are one of the major causes of domestic dryer fires. Dryers should be cleaned at least once every year, and it’s a simple DIY project that you can complete when you have a few hours to devote to home improvement. The end results? Clothes that are completely dry, cleaner lint screens, and a lot more laundry satisfaction and efficiency. Then, discover how to clean your washing machine so that it runs like new. Read the following dryer vent cleaning tips so that you know how to do it the next time you clean your dryer vents properly.

1. Gather your cleaning materials

Every DIY project needs its special tools. Dryer vent cleaning also has its essential tools. Before we go any further in the article, make sure to gather the right tools.

The following cleaning products and supplies will be required to complete the task:

1. A vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment
2. Duct or electrical tape
3. Dustpan and broom
4. Cleaning kit for dryer vents
5. Electric drill

2. Unplug the dryer

Take the dryer down from its mounting on the wall. If it’s a gas dryer, you’ll need to unplug it and then turn off the gas valve. It is necessary to disconnect the dryer duct, which can be found in the back of the dryer. Make sure to put on safety gloves while you’re unplugging the dryer to prevent any electric shock hazards.

3. Vacuum the vent’s interior

Utilizing the hose attachment, clean the area all the way around the vent’s entrance. After inserting it into the dryer’s exhaust duct, remove as much as possible with the vacuum.

4. Attach the flexible

You’re going to delve much deeper now. You can significantly extend your reach using a dryer duct cleaning kit, which you can find on Amazon. Standard kits include flexible rods that can reach up to 12 feet inside the duct. You will connect the rods. They’re designed to join, but for further security, tape over each connection using electrical tape to ensure they don’t fall apart. The kit includes a revolving brush, which should be used initially. Attach a power drill to the rod near you on the back end.

5. Start the drill and let the brush do its work

Once connected, turn the drill clockwise on medium power. Push and pull back and forth carefully, finally removing the brush completely. As you go, debris, lint, and dirt will begin to stream out of the dryer duct in front of you, and the lint accumulation will begin to dissolve right before your eyes. It’s critical to maintain the drill spinning clockwise; if you start spinning it counterclockwise, the attachments may disassemble and become stuck inside the dryer duct.

5. Clean up the crap

Before moving on to the outside vent, you should first clean up the mess caused by the cleaning process. Clear away the garbage by sweeping it up. You might need to use some soapy water to remove the residue that the lint leaves behind if it does.

6. Examine the exterior vent

Your outside vent could be situated close to the ground or high on an exterior wall near the roof. If it’s near a roof on a multi-story building, it won’t be easy to access; therefore, you won’t be able to clean it. If your outer vent is close to the ground, you can repeat the process of threading the flexible rods through and drilling, brushing from the outside in.

7. Replace the dryer’s parts

After the cleaning has been completed, reattach the duct to the dryer vent and plug in the machine again. You will need to go back to the gas line and, if necessary, reopen the gas valve.

When is it time to clean your dryer vent?

There are a few signs that indicate that you may have a clogged dryer vent and that your dryer could benefit from having its vent cleaned:

1. When you run the dryer, there is a burning odor.
2. Your clothes aren’t totally dry at the end of the drying cycle or take longer to dry than they should.
3. The dryer unit is extremely hot to the touch.
4. When the cycle concludes, your garments are extremely hot (much hotter than usual).
5. When you run the dryer, your laundry room becomes damp. (If there is an obstruction in the vent line, hot air may seep into the room rather than exiting through the outside vent.)
6. Your lint filter has more lint than normal.

Furthermore, some dryer duct materials (foil, plastic, or vinyl) are more prone to clogging and resulting in fire. These dryer vents should ideally be replaced with a robust metal duct. If this is not possible, simply take extra precautions to keep these dryer vents clean and debris-free.

How often should you clean your dryer vent?

While the typical recommendation is to use your vent brush once every 12 months to ensure your dryer vent duct is in good working order, if you’re a certain sort of homeowner, you may need to use your dryer vent cleaning kit more frequently. Suppose you have shedding dogs or a large family that necessitates the usage of your gas or electric dryer on a regular basis. In that case, you should plan on additional cleanings throughout the year.

Conclusion

The lint trap is the key to keeping your dryer exhaust vent clean on a regular basis. If you use dryer sheets, remove any dryer lint from it when you run the dryer while doing a load of laundry. This is essential. This will not only help you maintain a clean dryer vent, but it will also keep the entire dryer working smoothly, enhance the drying time of your machine, and reduce the risk of house fires.

Aside from merely keeping it clean, it is also recommended that you never leave a dryer running unattended. Never leave the house with a load on. If you are not at home when a dryer fire begins, it can cause havoc before someone sees and calls the fire service. Last but not least, allow your dryer to air. Leaving clutter and storage items on or near a dryer is a surefire way to start a fire. If you liked this article, you may also like to read our blog on tips for renting a carpet cleaner. Don’t forget to sgare your comments in the comments section below.