Clean a Clothes Dryer Vent

If your dryer vent hasn't been cleaned in the past year or two, it probably needs a good cleaning. Dryer vents get clogged with lint from your dryer, which can affect how your dryer functions. You can clean your vent yourself if you're able to reach it by moving your dryer. However, in some cases, it may be impossible to get to the vent on your own. In this case, hire professional cleaners to take care of the issue.

Steps

Cleaning the Vent Yourself

  1. Empty the lint screen. To start, empty out the lint screen the same way you would after doing laundry. You should do this each time you do laundry. When cleaning the vent, check the lint screen first and remove any small amounts of lint. It's always good to start with a clean lint screen when cleaning your dryer.[1]
  2. Unplug your dryer. Never start cleaning a dryer vent while the dryer is still plugged in. This can be very dangerous. Find where your dryer's cord is plugged into the wall. Disconnect the plug.[2]
  3. Move your dryer. The dryer vent is found behind the dryer. You will need to pull your dryer away from the wall to clean your vent. Sometimes, very heavy dryers cannot be moved. It may also be hard to move a dryer if you have limited space in your laundry room. In these cases, you may need to hire professional cleaners.[1]
    • If your dryer is very heavy, find someone to help you.
  4. Remove the tube. The dryer vent is a hole that runs through your wall. There will be a tube connecting the dryer to the vent, attached to the wall with screws. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws. Then, remove the tube from the wall so you can access the vent.[3]
    • The type of screwdriver you need varies. Examine the screws to see if you need a Phillips or flathead screw driver.
    • Keep the screws in the same place. You will need them later to reattach the tube.
  5. Vacuum out the vent. Take your vacuum cleaner's nozzle attachment. Vacuum out the vent that runs into the wall, sticking the nozzle into the vent as far as it will reach. Then, vacuum out the tube running into the dryer, again vacuum the tube as far as the nozzle reaches. You should remove a great deal of lint this way.[1]
    • If you do not have a vacuum cleaner, use a flexible dust brush with an extendable handle. You can also use compressed air to blow lint out of the dryer vent.
  6. Put everything back in place. Reattach the nozzle running from the dryer in the wall by placing the screws back in place. Then, slide the dryer back into place. Plug the dryer back in. Your dryer should be ready to use now and, as the vent is clean, you should see a noticeable improvement in drying times.[3]

Hiring Professionals

  1. Look for HVAC specialists in your area. In some cases, it's difficult to clean the vent yourself. You may not be able to reach the vent, for example. Also, you can only clean so deeply without professional help. If your dryer is not adequately drying your clothes after you've cleaned the vent yourself, hire professionals. You need HVAC specialists, which are cleaners who specialize in dryer vents. Look for cleaners online or in your local yellow pages.[4]
    • As most homeowners need to have their dryer vents cleaned professionally on occasion, ask other homeowners in your area for recommendations.
  2. Budget for cleaning. Professional cleaning services can be somewhat pricey. In general, professional dryer vent cleaning can cost anywhere from $89 to $179. Figure out roughly how much you can afford to spend on dryer vent cleaning. Call up different companies and ask for an estimate. Find a company that's within your price range.[5]
    • Do not put off cleaning your dryer vent for too long due to price. Dryer vents should be cleaned at least once a year or they could pose a fire hazard.[4]
  3. Schedule a cleaning time. Once you've found a company, call them up and schedule a cleaning time. You will probably have to be home during the cleaning to show cleaners where your dryer, outlets, and fusebox are. Find a time that works for you to have the cleaners come in an treat your dryer vent.[4]
  4. Get any diagnostic tests recommended. Diagnostic tests are used to assess how well your vent was cleaned. They may also determine whether gas from the vent is escaping into your home and check for gaps or holes in your dryer vent. Depending on things like your home's age, the cleaners may recommend diagnostic testing. Talk to the cleaners about potential tests to see if they're right for you.[4]
    • Diagnostic tests may cost extra, so keep this in mind when budgeting for professional cleaning.

Maintaining A Clean Dryer Vent

  1. Learn the signs your vent needs cleaning. You should clean your dryer vent promptly when it shows signs of needing cleaning. Clean your dryer vent if you notice any of the following:[4]
    • Clothing not drying during a dry cycle
    • Very hot clothing after a dry cycle
    • Excessive heat from the dryer
    • Larger amounts of lint in the lint tray than usual
    • Excessive odor from dryer sheets
  2. Keep the floor around the dryer clean. During regular cleaning, sweep up any lint or debris found around the floor of your dryer. Your dryer vent will suck up dirt and debris from the floor, which can get the vent dirty faster. Regular sweeping helps maintain a clean dryer vent.[5]
  3. Limit the use of dryer sheets. Dryer sheets can make your clothes smell fresher, but can also contribute to built up lint in a dryer vent. In general, opt against dryer lints when possible. Fabric softener should also only be used in moderation, as debris from fabric softening can clog a dryer's vent.[4]
  4. Stick to brief dry cycles. Do dry cycles in 30 to 40 minute intervals. This allows for better air circulation. Poor air circulation can cause the build up of dirt and debris in the dryer vent.[4]

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 http://www.consumerreports.org/clothes-dryers/how-to-clean-your-dryer-vent/
  2. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-a-dryer-vent/
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-a-dryer-vent/#.WP9kXbvytPM
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 https://www.angieslist.com/research/dryer-vent-cleaning/
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 http://www.today.com/series/how-often-should-you/how-often-you-should-clean-your-dryer-right-way-do-t77396
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