How to Clean a Dryer Vent
Step-by-step guide on how to clean your dryer vent to improve efficiency, reduce drying time, and prevent dangerous house fires.
- •Dryer vent cleaning kit with flexible rods and brush
- •Screwdriver or nut driver (1/4-inch or 5/16-inch)
- •Vacuum with hose attachment
- •Electric drill
- •Work gloves (optional)
- •Dust mask (optional)
- •Flashlight or headlamp (optional)
- •UL-listed metal foil duct tape
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Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1.Unplug the dryer from the power source and turn off the gas supply valve if you have a gas dryer.
- 2.Pull the dryer away from the wall to access the vent connection.
- 3.Loosen the clamp or tape securing the vent duct to the back of the dryer and disconnect the hose.
- 4.Remove the exterior vent cover from the outside of your home using a screwdriver.
- 5.Vacuum the lint trap housing and the area behind the dryer to remove loose debris.
- 6.Attach the dryer vent brush to the flexible rod and connect it to your electric drill.
- 7.Insert the brush into the vent duct and run the drill at a low speed while pushing the brush through the length of the vent.
- 8.Pull the brush back out while the drill is running in the same forward direction to avoid unscrewing the rods.
- 9.Vacuum the loosened lint from both the interior and exterior openings of the vent.
- 10.Reconnect the vent duct to the dryer and secure it firmly with a clamp or UL-listed metal foil tape.
- 11.Reinstall the exterior vent cover and push the dryer back into its original position.
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