If you have noticed that your laundry is taking forever to dry, your machine feels hot to the touch while running, or you detect a faint burning smell, these are tell-tale signs that your dryer vent needs immediate attention. Beyond the inconvenience of damp clothes, excessive lint buildup is a serious fire hazard.
Just as a kitchen needs a deep clean, your laundry room does too. Today, I am sharing a step-by-step method to clear out dangerous lint and ensure your machine runs safely and efficiently.
This “recipe” for home maintenance will leave your dryer running like new.
Ingredients (Tools & Supplies)
Before you begin, gather the following tools to ensure a smooth process:
- Vacuum Cleaner: Essential for the initial cleanup.
- Flexible Brush: For reaching nooks and crannies in the machine and lint trap.
- Pantyhose (Old Pair): For catching debris outdoors.
- Leaf Blower: To blast out the initial layer of lint.
- Microfiber Towel: To create a seal for the leaf blower.
- Dryer Vent Cleaning Kit: Consisting of flexible rods and a brush attachment.
- Power Drill: To rotate the cleaning brush.
- Shop Vacuum: To catch dust during the deep clean.
- Electrical or Duct Tape (Optional): To secure rod connections.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Appliance Start by pulling the dryer away from the wall. Move slowly to avoid damaging the hose connected to the vent. Once accessible, unplug the machine and disconnect the hose from the vent. Use your vacuum cleaner to remove dust from the back of the dryer and the floor area.
2. Clean the Machine Interior Take your flexible brush and clean the exhaust vent on the machine itself, where lint often gets trapped. Follow this by removing the lint filter and giving the trap a thorough brushing and vacuuming to remove debris from the tight corners.
3. Prep the Exterior Vent Locate where your dryer vent exits the house. Remove the exterior cover to ensure good access. Note: If your vent is on the roof, it is best to call a professional with specialized tools.
4. The “Pantyhose” Catch Method Take a pair of old pantyhose and wrap it around the exterior exhaust hole. This clever trick catches the lint you are about to blast out, preventing a mess in your yard.
5. The First Blast Return inside with your leaf blower. Insert the blower into the dryer vent hose, wrapping a microfiber towel around the opening to create a tight seal. Turn on the blower for 30 seconds to two minutes. This step removes the first layer of loose lint, which will be neatly trapped in the pantyhose outside.
6. Deep Clean with the Drill Brush Assemble your vent cleaning kit by screwing two flexible rods together and attaching the brush head. Connect this assembly to your power drill.
Crucial Step: Always run your drill in a clockwise motion. If you spin counter-clockwise, the rods may unscrew inside the vent, leaving you with a stuck brush that is difficult to fish out.
7. Rod and Brush Technique Insert the brush into the exterior vent. Position your shop vacuum at the entrance to catch falling dust. Run the drill at a moderate speed and work slowly, pushing the brush in 6 to 12 inches at a time, then pulling it back to extract the lint.
8. Navigate Obstructions If the brush feels stuck, do not panic. This often happens near curves or loose tin edges inside the ductwork. Simply move the brush forward and backward while adjusting the drill speed slightly until it works free. Continue adding rods and repeating the push-pull motion until the entire length of the vent is clean and no more dust is coming out.
9. Reassemble Once the vents are clear, reattach the hose to the dryer, plug the machine back in, and push the unit back into place.
Chef’s Tips for Success
- Secure Your Tools: For extra peace of mind, you can use electrical tape or duct tape at the connection points of your flexible rods to ensure they do not come apart inside the wall.
- Daily Maintenance: Always clean out your lint trap after every single load to maintain airflow.
- Monthly Deep Clean: Scrub the filter screen of your lint trap at least once a month with soap and water. This is especially important if you use dryer sheets, which can leave a residue that clogs the mesh pores.
- Exterior Check: Periodically check your outside vent to ensure the doors or flaps open easily and are not blocked, ensuring your dryer can exhaust properly.
