How to Clean Your Dryer Vent

Essential Tips for Safe and Efficient Laundry:

We get this question often. When your VentWatch dryer vent sensor alarms, what do you do next? Don't panic because you have a few options.

1. If you are enrolled in our contractor connection program, we can help you get in touch with a vent cleaning expert.

2. You can take the vent apart and clean the dryer vent yourself.

In the realm of home maintenance, cleaning your dryer vent may not be at the top of your to-do list—but it should be. Dryer vent maintenance is key not only for the efficiency of your laundry dryers but also for the safety of your home.

Each year, clogged dryer vents contribute to a significant number of house fires. You should clean your dryer vent to ensure your appliance is working properly and prevent potential fire hazards.

Dryer Vent Cleaning

Why Cleaning Your Dryer Vent is Important

1. Prevent House Fires: One of the most compelling reasons to clean your dryer vent is to prevent dryer fires. Lint accumulation in the exhaust vent can catch fire, leading to serious home fires.
   

2. Increase Efficiency: Blocked dryer vents force the dryer to work harder and run longer to dry your clothes. This leads to wear and tear on the appliance and higher energy bills.
   

3. Reduce Wear on Clothing: Over-drying can damage fabric, causing your clothes to wear out faster. Efficient dry cycles that result from a clean vent conserve both your clothes and energy.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Dryer Vent

Tools You’ll Need:

• Vacuum with a long hose attachment

• Vent brush kit

• Screwdriver (if needed)

• Flashlight

Steps:

1. Locate the Vent: Start by finding both ends of your dryer duct: the dryer exhaust and the exterior vent. The dryer duct connects to the back of the dryer and runs either to the side or up through your roof.
   

2. Unplug the Dryer and Disconnect the Duct: Safety first—unplug the dryer from its power source. You should make sure the gas line is off if you own a natural gas dryer. Disconnect the duct from the dryer, usually secured with a clamp or screws.
   

3. Clean the Lint Filter: Start with removing lint from the dryer’s lint filter. You should do this step after every load of laundry, but a thorough cleaning at this time is also beneficial.
   

4. Vacuum the Dryer Duct: Use your vacuum’s hose attachment to remove lint from the duct. Insert the hose as far into the duct as possible to extract the excess lint. A vent brush kit can also help loosen any lint inside the dryer duct.
   

5. Clean the Exterior Vent: Locate the exterior vent outside your home. Remove the vent cover if necessary and use the vent brush to clear out any blockages. Check for signs of wildlife nests or natural debris blocking the pathway.
   

6. Reconnect Everything: Once everything is clean, reattach the dryer duct to both the dryer and the exterior vent. Secure all connections and make sure they are tight to prevent any leaks of hot air.
   

7. Perform a Dry Run: Plug the dryer back in and turn the gas on if applicable. Run a dry cycle without clothes to ensure everything is working properly. Keep an ear out for any unusual noises and be alert for any burning smells.

Additional Tips for Maintaining Your Dryer Vent

• Regular Checks: Even if you don’t use your dryer frequently, check and clean the vent at least once a year.

• Monitor Dry Times: If it’s taking longer than usual to dry your clothes, this could be a sign of a blocked vent.

• Watch for Signs: Keep an eye out for a burning smell or excessive heat in the laundry room, as these can indicate problems.

Routine dryer vent maintenance is a simple and effective way to improve the efficiency of your dryer. An efficient dryer will extend the life of your clothes while keeping your home safe from fire hazards. Don’t overlook this critical aspect of household upkeep.

Still need help? We recommend checking out this article.