Dryer Vent Cleaning
Not only will dryer vent cleaning increase the efficiency of your dryer, it will also drastically reduce the fire risk. How do you know its time to clean your vents?
- The outside of your dryer will feel much hotter than usual
- Clothes will take much longer to dry
- Heavy articles will still feel damp and very hot when you remove them
The best thing you can do every day to prevent the risk of fire due to your dryer is to clean out the lint filter every time you run the dryer!
Seven Steps to Dryer Vent Cleaning
Unplug the Dryer and Detach the Hose
Pull the dryer away from the wall and unplug it from the wall. You will need a screwdriver to unscrew the clamp holding the vent hose to the aluminum elbow. Detach the hose and remove the aluminum elbow. Check the elbow for lint and clean if needed.
Inspect the Dryer Vent
Shine a flashlight inside the vent and dryer to check for any lint, dirt or obstructions.
Dryer Vent Cleaning and behind Dryer
The best thing you can use to clean dryer vents is an indoor/outdoor vacuum. They are very effective at grabbing all the gunk that may be caught in the vent. If you don’t have a commercial vacuum, you can use the hose on your upright vacuum.
Vacuum all the dust, lint and dirt behind the dryer and around the vent pipe. Make sure to run the vacuum along the back of the dryer to get all the lint buildup. Vacuum from inside the dryer, around the vent as well. Place the vacuum hose inside of the dryer vent hose and clean it well.
Mop and wipe up the area
Using a sponge and regular dish soap, scrub the walls and floor around and under the dryer to remove any soap scum or stuck on lint. Mop up the area if needed.
Re-attach the Vent Hose
Slide the flexible dryer vent hose over the elbow. Using a screwdriver, tighten the clamp until the connection is secure. Slide the aluminum elbow over the end of the dryer vent pipe.
Plug it In
Plug your dryer back in and push back against the wall.
Dryer Vent Cleaning for the Outside
Since every dryer vent system is different, we won’t go into cleaning the vent pipes that run from your dryer, through the walls and outdoors. But, it is important to vacuum out and clean around the vent where it exits your home. Locate the vent and shine a flashlight into it to check for any obstructions. Make sure the area around the vent is clear of dirt, lint, spider webs, etc. If there are any trees or shrubs around the vent, be sure to cut them back. You want this area to be completely unobstructed, so make sure you check it regularly.
And thats it! As you can see, it is very easy and quick to check and complete a dryer vent cleaning. This is a necessary step that all home owners should be taking on a regular basis to prevent dryer fire hazards.
