How to Clean a Dryer Vent Properly

To prevent lint and other debris from accumulating in your dryer vent, it’s critical that you thoroughly clean it regularly. When your dryer’s vent becomes blocked, it poses a fire risk and prevents it from operating correctly, raising energy costs.

We’re going to walk you through the process of cleaning your dryer vent correctly in this article so that you can keep your dryer operating efficiently.

How often do I clean a dryer vent?

Cleaning your dryer vent at least once a year is advised. Nonetheless, you might need to clean it more often if you use your dryer very frequently or if your venting system is lengthy. Regular vent cleaning is essential to avoid lint build-up, which poses a risk of fire.

Steps to clean a dryer vent properly

Simply begin with step one and proceed through the instructions until you have completed them all. To complete our cleaning procedure, you will need a vacuum cleaner, a small brush, and a wrench to remove the dryer vent’s clamp. Once you have those resources ready, you can begin.

Step 1 – disconnect the duct

The first step is to disconnect the duct from the vent. This will give you access to the inside of the duct so you can remove any lint. 

1. Switch the power off to your dryer. You can switch it off at the power socket or turn the circuit breaker off.
2. Switch the gas supply off. If you have a gas-powered dryer, switch the gas supply off.
3. Move the dryer. If you need to move your dryer out from the wall to access the vent and ducts, you can do that now.
4. Disconnect the duct. Disconnect the duct from the vent connection point. You may need to loosen hose clamps from both ends to be able to do this.

Step 2 – clean the vent and duct

The next step in our guide for how to clean a dryer vent properly is to clean the duct out. Using a vacuum cleaner is the simplest way to accomplish this. Use a little brush if you don’t have a vacuum cleaner.

The vent and duct can be cleaned as follows:

1. Clean the vent filter. The best place to start is to take the vent filter out of the dryer and thoroughly clean it. When clean, you can put it back into the dryer.
2. Vacuum the vent. The next step is to vacuum all the lint and other debris built up around the vent connection points.
3. Vacuum your dryer. Sometimes loose lint and other debris can build up on and around your dryer. Use your vacuum cleaner to vacuum it all up.
4. Vacuum the duct. The next step is to vacuum the duct. Vacuum the duct from both ends to ensure you get all the lint out.  
5. Clean the vent hood. Finally, go outside and clean the outside exit vent hood. Ensure no loose leaves or other debris are blocking the exit point.

Step 3 – reassemble the vent

The last step is to reconnect your dryer vent so you can resume using your dryer after it has been thoroughly cleaned and cleared of any lint and other debris. To do so, you just reassemble each vent component in the same way you disassembled them.

Here’s how to reassemble the vent:

1. Reconnect the duct. The first task is to reattach the duct to the dryer and the wall end. Secure it in place with the hose clamps that you removed earlier.
2. Move your dryer. You can then move your dryer back into position.
3. Switch the power on. Once in position, switch the power supply back on.
4. Switch the gas on. If your dryer is gas-powered, switch the gas supply back on.
5. Turn your dryer on. Turn your dryer on for a few minutes. This will ensure any leftover loose lint is cleaned out of the vent.

How to keep your dryer vent clean

Here are some general pointers to keep your dryer vent clean:

• Empty the lint filter regularly. After every use, clean the lint filter to avoid lint accumulation in your vent system.
• Use a vacuum cleaner. To remove any lint or debris gathered in the vent, use a vacuum cleaner with a long, thin attachment. This will save you lots of time.
• Clean the vent hood. Regularly ensure the vent hood outside your home isn’t blocked by material like leaves or bird nests.
• Get a dryer vent cleaning kit. These specialty kits typically include a brush and rods to assist you in cleaning the vent out faster and more efficiently.

Get the professionals in. If cleaning your dryer vent makes you uncomfortable or your vent system is complicated or lengthy, consider hiring a professional cleaning service.