How to Clean a Dryer Vent
Lint can build up in your dryer vent, which can be dangerous, because it causes dryer fires. Since it’s very combustible, it can burst into flames if there’s insufficient air circulation from the dryer going outside. To avoid this, make sure your dryer vent is always clean and free from lint. Here’s how to do it.
What You’ll Need:
Dryer vent
Wire coat hanger
Screwdriver
Procedure:
Unplug the dryer carefully from the electric socket. If you have the gas-type, turn the gas off. Move the dryer away from the wall, as far the vent will allow. This is usually only two feet or so.
You now have to loosen the vent clamp found at the back of the dryer. These large hose clamps are commonly tightened down with a screw, keeping the joints together. Loosen them so you can pull the ducking apart at the joints. This allows you easy access. Remove the vent from the back of the dryer.
Take away the lint from the vent, as well as that from the hole at the dryer’s back. You’ll find most of the lint at the end of the vent hose. If you find more build up in the middle, get the wire coat hanger, straighten it out, then push it from the middle, then to either end.
Put back the vent clamp, then slide the dryer to its regular spot.
Go outside the house, then find the vent cover, removing it. If needed, you might need to scrape some caulk away. Carefully slide out the foot-long vent tube. Remove the lint from inside carefully, and if there is debris you can’t reach, use the wire coat hanger again.
Put back the vent tube, then return the cover.
Turn the gas back on or plug the dryer into its electrical socket again. Let it run for a few minutes, making sure air flows properly and is not obstructed as it goes through.
Some Tips:
Never clean the dryer vent while it’s still plugged or while the gas is still on.
Check that there are no screws or sharp edges that stick out from the dryer’s interior, when you’re cleaning.
Take away the panel found at the dryer’s front when you clean the vent. You can also find lint here.
Dryers perform better when they’re clean. Follow this procedure and always have a properly functioning dryer vent at home.