Clean Your Dryer Vent

If your clothes are taking longer and longer to dry, or there are weird smells or burning odors in the laundry room, it's probably time to clean out your dryer vent. It's something that should be done every few years. Over time, dust, cloth, and other particles will build up in the dryer vent. When this happens, the efficiency of your dryer drops, resulting in longer drying times and higher energy bills. Cleaning out your dryer vent will help restore the drying power of your dryer. It will also help save on energy costs.

Step 1: Disconnect Your Dryer

Before you begin cleaning out your dryer vent, disconnect the power cord attached to your dryer from the outlet and/or turn off the gas/propane valve if you have a gas dryer. Slide the dryer about a foot away from the wall to reach the cord.

Detach the dryer duct (located on the back of the dryer) from the wall and the dryer. You might need to use a screwdriver to remove the duct. Be sure to remove it from both ends.

Locate the exterior vent outside your home. If you don't know where the dryer's exterior vent is, turn your dryer on then outside your home and walk around. Listen for the sound of the dryer.

Step 2: Clean the Vent With a Brush Kit

Assemble the cleaning kit. Attach the brush to the end of the flexible rod. There are various kinds of cleaning kits. Some are operated by hand while others are operated by drills.

Insert the cleaning brush into the vent. Slowly spin the brush while moving it in a back-and-forth motion to remove all lint, dust, and debris. If the brush is long enough, it may reach all the way to the vent exit point outside.

Continue cleaning until the vent is lint and debris free.

After cleaning the vent, clean the duct and inside of the dryer.

Step 3: Vacuum the Vent

Attach a hose to your vacuum so that it can clean out any lint or dust the brush didn't get.

Insert the vacuum hose into the vent, vent hose, and dryer to remove any leftover lint or dust.

Go to the exterior vent outside your home and vacuum it out. Replace the exterior dryer vent cover.

Step 4: Reconnect Your Dryer

Inspect the ducts and make sure all parts are undamaged before you reconnect everything. Buy a new duct if it's bent or has any holes in it.

Re-attach the ductwork to the vent and dryer.

Move the dryer back into place and reconnect the power and/or gas/propane.

Test the dryer by running it for a couple of minutes. Make sure it's properly connected. This final step will also help remove any remaining dust and debris.

Conclusion

Cleaning out your dryer vent is fairly easy and straightforward. Doing so will increase the efficiency of your dryer. It will also help lower your home energy costs. If you're uncomfortable doing it yourself, the professionals here at All Trades are here to serve you. We service Las Vegas, Boulder City, Henderson, and most parts of Clark County Nevada. In most cases we offer same day service. Contact us today for a free consultation.