Best Way to Clean the Dryer Vents

If your dryer is not working properly and you are getting damp clothes even after running a full dryer cycle, then it is time you check your dryer vents and clean them. Cleaning the dryer vents is not just a matter of cleanliness but safety as well. Dirty dryer vents can be dangerous and lead to domestic dryer fires. Lint accumulates in the ducts over time, mixing with hot air, and igniting, which causes the fire. Every year duct fires cause a lot of damage and even result in injuries and deaths. This is why cleaning the dryer vents at least once a year is recommended. If you want to clean your dryer vents yourself, here is how you can do it efficiently and effectively. 

• Before Starting the Cleanup

1- Find the Dryer Vent 

Before cleaning the dryer vents, you need to know where they are. The dryer is usually connected to a short exhaust pipe with a diameter of 4 inches connected to a duct inside the wall. The hot air from the dryer passes through the pipe and is exhausted through the vents on the house’s outer wall. 

2- Carefully Unplug the Dryer 

Once you understand how the duct works, you can unplug the dryer. After that, remove all the metal ties and clamps that secure the vent tube to the exhaust vent. When removing the pipe from the wall, it is essential to use a small amount of pressure to prevent any damage. 

• How to Clean the Dryer Vent

1- Use a Vacuum

• Attach your vacuum cleaner with a hose so the brush can reach the lint that did not come off. 
• Insert the vacuum cleaner into the opening to remove lint and dust residue. 
• Start sucking the dust and lint out of the dryer vent with the vacuum cleaner. 
• Make sure you move towards the exterior vent to repeat the same procedure. You can use a brush as well to clean the exterior vent.  
• Make sure to replace the cover of the exterior vent after vacuuming.

2- Use Toilet Brushes, Towels, and Brooms 

You can find several tools in the market that are made to clean the dryer vents. However, you can use simple household tools if you have a limited budget or don’t have the time to buy them. Toilet brushes, strings or tapes, brooms, and water mixed with detergent can help clean your dryer vents. Following the tips discussed below will help you alot. 

• Detach the dryer from the power source, remove it from the wall and remove the vent from it. 
• Place the toilet brush in the flexible opening and move it until you have removed excessive dust and lint.  
• Take the towel and the broom and wrap your towel around it. Make sure that the broom’s handle is long enough to fit in the vent. Insert the towel, push it into the opening and move it thoroughly until the opening gets cleaned. 
• At this point, you should check the outer dryer vents for obstacles. After loosening the vents on the outer dryer, clean the vents with a towel and broom. 
• Before replacing the vent cover, dust it off and wash it with the detergent solution to keep it free of dirt.
• Reattach the vents to the dryer and the wall, and turn it on to see if there is still dust and debris left inside. 
• If everything is clear, double-check the external vents. However, if not, you will have to repeat all the steps. 

3- Vacuum, Rod, Drill, and Brush

The brush drill technique is very effective and widely used to clean the dryer vents. For this method, a vacuum cleaner and a flexible rod combined with a brush are required. Last but not the least, a cordless drill is also needed in this technique. First, connect the three-way elbow pipe to the dryer vent. Attach the vacuum cleaner hose to one of the holes and seal the ends. Connect the flexible rod with the brush and insert it into the other pipe hole. Attach the drill to the other end of the rod and turn the vacuum cleaner on. Turn on the drill and clean the vents. Thanks to the effectiveness of this method, the dryer vents will be clean and safe in minutes. 

Cleaning the dryer vents is required with time, and if you leave your vents with dirt and lint, you will have to deal with the damages later on. If you want guidance on how to clean your dryer vents, the best ways to clean the dryer vents conveniently and safely are discussed above. All of the above techniques and tips work perfectly well and are easier to implement. Remember not to postpone cleaning the dryer vents for a long time.