How to clean your dryer vent? The Complete guide to dryer vent cleaning!

Introduction

Cleaning a dryer vent should take around 1 hour and can be very easy if you’re willing to do it. 

Best practice do recommend to purchase a dryer vent cleaning service since it can be a dangerous area of the house. Keep reading to know more!

Is Dryer Vent Cleaning Different From Duct Cleaning?

Yes, dryer vent cleaning is different from duct cleaning. Washing your drying machine focuses on removing lint and debris from the dryer’s exhaust system, preventing fire hazards and improving efficiency. Duct cleaning, for its part, involves sanitizing the HVAC system to remove dust, allergens, and contaminants, which could be enhancing indoor air quality and system performance. Both are crucial for safety and efficiency but target different systems and issues.

With our article, explore all differences between dryer vent cleaning vs air duct cleaning.

How Often Should I Clean my Dryer Lint Trap And Outlet?

It’s essential to clean your dryer vent at least once a year to reduce the dangers of fires. The lint trap should frequently be cleaned (as we talk later in this article). From my years of experience in the family business, I can’t emphasize enough the critical importance of this regular maintenance. But of course, it does come at a price. To understand all of the duct cleaning price, please read our guide to make a good decision!

Regular maintenance and cleaning of your dryer vent system can significantly improve your dryer’s performance, extend its lifespan, and most importantly, prevent potential dryer fires. 

If this topic interests you, give a look to our article explaining how often you should clean your dryer vents.

Is There Benefits To Wash Dryer Vents?

It Help The Dryer Performances For Laundry

Yes! By keeping your dryer vent clean, you also ensure that your appliance is not working harder than it needs to. Removing debris can save you money on energy bills, while avoiding unnecessary wear and tear on your dryer. Clothes could also dry a bit faster.

Before we continue, I recommend you to read this article to know if you can clean your own dryer vent. 

Lint Buildup Is a Fire Hazard

The lint trap has more and more buildup after each cycle. Debris must be removed to prevent the fire from starting inside. Clothes are made from cotton, which can cause fire. The risk is not to be taken lightly. A house can be destroyed by fire, so make sure you’re safe by cleaning your trap.

Signs You Need to Cleanse Your Dryer Duct

There are several signs that indicate a need to clean the dryer, like:

• • Longer drying times, 
  • A hot dryer unit, 
  • A burning smell, humid or restricted air flow in the laundry room,
  • Excessive lint in the lint filter,
  • Higher energy bills.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to clean your dryer vent.

Safety Hazards From Uncleaned Dryer Duct

Risk for your safety is the main hazard from not cleaning your dryer vents. For example, lint buildup can lead to overheating and potentially cause a fire.

Lint trap has visible debris. Be aware that it’s not just about removing the visible lint from the trap; it’s also about addressing the lint that accumulates in the ductwork, which is not easily accessible.

Hidden lint can catch fire if the dryer overheats, which is why professional dryer vent cleaning is recommended to thoroughly remove all flammable materials from the venting system.

By keeping your dryer vent clean and clear, you are taking an important step in protecting your home and loved ones from the dangers of fire.

It’s important to be proactive and not wait for a complete blockage or a malfunction to occur. Regularly observing your dryer’s performance and being aware of the signs of a clogged vent can help you take timely action and maintain a safe and efficient laundry routine.

Steps to Clean The Dryer Vent

Disclaimer: to avoid damaging your system, we recommend that you use a professional cleaning company. The techniques and tools are specialized, and expertise is required to achieve a complete cleaning.

1. Disconnect the Vent From The Wall

Before you starting a dryer duct cleaning, it’s important to disconnect the dryer.

1. 1. Unplug the dryer from the power outlet and turn off the gas supply valve for gas dryers.
   2. Then, pull the dryer, about a foot and disconnect the dryer vent from the back of the dryer. This is a critical step to ensure your safety and prevent any accidents while cleaning the vent.
   3. Make sure to handle the dryer and its components with care to avoid any damage.
   4. Once the dryer is safely disconnected, you can proceed with the purification process.

When handling gas dryers, it’s crucial to turn off the gas supply valve to prevent any potential gas leaks.

Always ensure proper ventilation by opening windows and doors during the cleansing process.

Gas dryers require extra caution due to the risk of gas leaks, which can be dangerous. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the location of the gas supply valve and know how to turn it off before beginning any maintenance work.

If you smell gas at any point, stop immediately, evacuate the area, and call a professional. Safety should always be your top priority when dealing with gas appliances.

2. Vacuum Out the Vent

Start the cleaning process by vacuuming out the vent.

1. 1. Remove lint from the hole at the back of the dryer
   2. Use a vacuum cleaner or shop vac with a tube attachment to clean in and around the hole.
   3. The wall has is connected to the vent. If possible, detach the length of duct where it meets it for easier cleaning.

This initial vacuuming can remove a significant amount of lint and debris that has accumulated over time.

It’s an essential step in the sanitizing process that helps prevent potential blockages and ensures that the subsequent steps are more effective. 

By vacuuming the accessible parts of the vent, you’re setting the stage for a purge of the entire dryer vent system.

3. Deep Withdrawal The Dust In Vent with a Shop Vac

For a more thorough cleaning, use a shop vac to remove lint from the duct. Wash the exterior vent cover using a vacuum and remove any yarn from the duct by hand. 

This deep cleaning is crucial for reaching the lint that’s not easily accessible and can be a cause of fire. 

A shop vac is particularly useful for this task because it provides the suction power needed to remove stubborn lint and debris from the ductwork. 

Pay special attention to the bends and turns in the duct, as these areas are prone to lint accumulation. 

By ensuring that the entire dryer vent is clean, you can improve your dryer’s efficiency and safety.

4. Brush Out the Vent

If the vent is too long for a vacuum, a dryer vent brush kit can be used for efficient cleaning. These kits usually come with a rotating brush that can effectively remove lint from the vent.

Choosing the right brush kit is important, as it should be long enough to reach the entire length of the dryer vent and have a brush size that fits your specific vent. 

A quality brush kit will make the sterilization process much easier and more effective, allowing you to dislodge and remove lint that the vacuum may have missed.

5. Reconnect the Dryer

After cleaning, inspect the ducts for damage and replace if necessary.

Reattach the ductwork and vent cover and seal sections of ductwork with proper material. This step is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your dryer vent system.

Damaged or worn ducts can compromise the safety and efficiency of your dryer, so it’s important to address any issues immediately.

Properly sealing the ductwork also prevents leaks and ensures that the air is being directed outside as intended.

1. 1. Once the ducts are reconnected, push the dryer back into place and plug it in or turn back on.
   2. Run the dryer for 15 to 20 minutes on the fluff or air dry setting to test the connections and dislodge any remaining debris.

By testing the dryer after reconnection, you can have peace of mind knowing that your appliance is working well and that your efforts have resulted in a clean and efficient vent system.

3 Maintenance Tips for Preventing Lint Accumulation In Dryer

Here are 3 tips to help with maintenance:

1. 1. To prevent yarn buildup, regularly sweep and dust the area around the dryer.
   2. The lint trap has filter. You can clean it before each cycle and vacuum (in and around) on a regular basis.
   3. Using a spray bottle filled with a mold remover or warm, soapy water can also help clean a clogged lint screen.

By adopting these simple maintenance habits, you can significantly reduce the chances of lint accumulation and maintain a safe and efficient dryer vent system.

Safety Precautions

Personal Protective Equipment for Vents Washing

When cleaning your dryer vent, it’s important to

• • Wear gloves
  • Wear a mask

This equipment helps to prevent exposure to lint and dust. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for your safety, as cotton and dust can be harmful if inhaled or come into contact with your skin. 

Gloves will protect your hands from any sharp edges within the ductwork, and a mask will prevent you from breathing in fine particles.

While knowing what to wear, be sure to also:

• • Avoid using sharp objects;,
  • Not use abrasive materials that could damage the vent or create sparks.

Taking these precautions will ensure a safe cleaning process and help you avoid any potential injuries or health dangers associated with dryer vent maintenance.

General Safety Measures to Follow During the Process

• • Unplug the dryer from the power outlet before cleaning;
  • Turn off the gas supply valve for gas dryers;
  • The dryer’s vent hose needs inspection for damage. Please replace if necessary;
  • Consider hiring a professional if unsure about safety;
  • Reassemble the dryer properly after cleaning;
  • Ensure all connections are secure.

It’s important to follow these general safety measures to prevent accidents and ensure that your dryer cleaning is conducted safely and effectively.

If you’re not confident in your ability to clean the vent safely, or if the vent system is particularly complex, don’t hesitate to call a vents cleaning professional, or a dryer vent cleaning specialist. They have the expertise and equipment to handle the job without putting you or your property at peril.

Additional Information

Important: Wash the Exterior Of The Outlet

Cleaning the exterior dryer vent outlet is important for proper airflow.

If the exterior vent is not cleaned, it can restrict airflow and lead to longer drying times and increased energy consumption. 

The exterior vent outlet is the final exit point for the hot air and filament from your dryer, and if it’s clogged, it can cause the dryer to work harder than necessary. This not only leads to inefficiency but can also be a fire hazard.

Make sure to include the exterior vent in your regular cleaning routine to ensure that your dryer operates safely and efficiently.

Final Thoughts On Dryer Outlet Washing

By following these steps, you can ensure your dryer vent is clean and safe.

Fires can be prevented with a regular cleaning. Clothes can also dry more easily since your dryer operates more efficiently. We did write an excellent content on this topic if you need to explore in more details why do dryer vents need cleaning.

A neat dryer vent not only protects your home from potential fire but also helps your dryer run more effectively, saving you time and money on energy bills.

Don’t overlook the importance of this simple yet crucial household task. Take action today to maintain a safe and efficient dryer vent system.