A clean dryer vent is a vital part of home maintenance and safety. Here's the process.
Time 1 hour or less
ComplexityBeginner
Cost$0 - $20
Introduction
Here's how to clean a dryer vent in order to improve efficiency, decrease fire risks, and extend the lifespan of your dryer.
A dirty dryer vent can increase drying time, spike energy costs and eventually become a fire hazard. If your dryer doesn’t dry clothes, or the top of the dryer is hot to the touch after each use, clogged ductwork may be the culprit.
The removable dryer lint filter catches most of the lint as it passes through a load of laundry, but pieces of lint can sneak past the filter and get stuck in crevices along the dryer duct. When there’s a build-up of lint, airflow is restricted, which can lead to overheating. If the air inside the duct gets hot enough, it can ignite the lint and cause a dryer fire. So it’s essential to clean your dryer vent at least once a year, if not twice if frequently used.
Follow the steps ahead to thoroughly clean your dryer vent.
Tools Required
- Dryer vent brush kit
- Screwdriver
- Vacuum with flexible hose attachment
Materials Required
- UL-listed metal foil duct tape or worm gear clamp
Project step-by-step (8)
Step 1
Unplug dryer
The first step is safely disconnecting your dryer by unplugging the power cord from the outlet and turning off the gas or propane valve.
Step 2
Clean dryer lint trap
Next, clean and vacuum the dryer lint trap using the wand attachment on your vacuum.
Step 3
Detach the duct
Locate the dryer vent duct. Dryers have a short, four-inch-diameter exhaust port on the back of the unit that attaches to the ductwork. Remove any worm drive clamps or metal tape to free the vent pipe from the dryer. Please do the same on the other side of the duct where it meets the wall or window.
If you own a dryer that runs on natural gas, be extremely careful not to disturb the dryer’s gas line when disconnecting the duct.
Step 4
Remove dryer vent cover
Go outside and remove the dryer vent cover to have uninterrupted access to the entire duct in both directions if you can. Some older single-flap covers may not be removable.
Step 5
Clean the ductwork with a dryer vent brush
The dryer vent brush kit comes with a lint brush and flexible segments that you can connect together, depending on the length of your dryer ducts. You do need special vent brushes to clean a dryer vent duct effectively.
Insert the vent brush into the ductwork and spin it counter-clockwise while pushing the brush as far as you can down the dryer ducts. If you need more length to reach the other end of the duct, add another segment from your brush kit. The brush should loosen lint that has become lodged along the ductwork. Use the brush to clean the vent in the wall/window and the duct section outside the wall that connects the dryer to the wall/window duct.
- Pro tip: Enter from the outside of the house if it’s located higher than the dryer. Gravity can help clear lodged debris and it’s easier to clean lint on your laundry room floor than have it clutter any landscaped areas. While you have the vacuum out, remember to clean out the inside of the dryer outlet as well.
Step 6
Clear out all openings with a vacuum
Clean all of the lint that comes out of the dryer vent duct work with a vacuum. (Heads up: It may be a lot!) Use the flexible hose attachment to clear out the openings on both ends. Repeat as needed until there is no more existing lint that needs to be removed.
Step 7
Replace dryer vent components as needed
Once all the lint has been cleaned, reinstall the outside dryer vent duct cover and hook up the dryer vent duct between your dryer and the wall vent with foil tape or worm drive clamps.
Replace any old, damaged, or inappropriate components. I noticed that my dryer was originally installed with a soft foil-style vent. This is a dryer vent fire hazard, so I knew I had to replace it with a rigid or semi-rigid metal dryer duct when I took it apart. Once the correct components are attached, plug the machine back in.
Vince Christofora, owner of Woodstock Hardware, a full-service, family-owned store in Woodstock, NY, recommends giving it a trial run before sliding it back into place. “Check to make sure all of the venting remains connected and there are no gas leaks. “Bad connections can lead to problems later on.”
If all goes well, push the dryer back into place.
Step 8
FAQs
How often should a dryer vent be cleaned?
Dryer vents should be cleaned every 12 months. If you don’t have the time, hire a professional to help. But keeping your ducts clear and clean will extend the life of your dryer and help prevent fires.
Why does the inside of my dryer look burnt?
The grill on the back of the dryer might look burnt because of wear and discoloration from the heat. This is normal and most likely won’t harm your clothes.
How do you fix a dryer that smells like it’s burning?
If the dryer smells like burning, a build-up of lint might be trapped, or a motor or belt could be broken. After cleaning out the lint trap, review the owner’s manual on how to remove the panels so you can clean out any other lint that might be stuck. If the smell persists, stop using the dryer until you call a professional to check it out.
