How do you clean out a dryer vent?
You might want to clean out the dryer vent if you are doing a laundry room cleaning. It's not only about safety, but cleanliness. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, dryer vents are the most common cause of dryer fires. Dryers should be cleaned at a minimum once per year. This is a simple DIY project that you can do when you have some spare time for home improvement. What is the result? The result? Dry clothes, less lint, and more laundry pleasure. Next, you will learn how to clean your washer so that it runs like new.
1. Get your cleaning supplies
These are the supplies and cleaning products you will need to complete the job.
- Vacuum with hose attachment
- Tape for electrical or ductwork
- Broom and dustpan
- Dryer duct cleaning kit
- Power drill
2. Take the dryer out of the wall, unplug it, and disconnect the duct.
Take the dryer off the wall. Unplug the dryer and, if it is a gas dryer turn off the gas valve. The dryer duct is located at the back of your dryer.
3. Vacuum the Vent Inside
Turn on the vacuum cleaner and use a hose attachment to suction around the vent. You can use the hose attachment to poke it into the dryer exhaust pipe and vacuum out any debris.
4. Connect the Flexible Rods from your Dryer Duct Cleaning Kit to your Power Drill
Now, you want to dig deeper. Amazon has a dryer duct cleaning kit that will allow you to extend your reach. The standard kits include flexible rods that can reach up to 12 feet within the duct. The rods will be connected together. These rods are designed to be connected, but you can also tape each connection with electrical tape for extra security. A rotating brush is included in the kit. Attach a power drill to your rod at the back.
5. Turn on the grill and let the brush work its magic
Once the attachment is attached, turn on the drill to spin clockwise at medium speed. Pull the brush slowly back and forth, until it is pulled out completely. You'll notice that lint and debris will begin to fall out of dryer ducts in front of your eyes. You must keep the drill turning clockwise. If you turn it counterclockwise you risk the attachments becoming disassembled and stuck in the dryer duct.
5. Take a look at the mess
Clean up any mess you have made while cleaning the exterior vent. Toss the trash. You may need soapy water to remove any lint or residue.
6. Examine the Exterior Vent
The vent may be found near the roof or low to the ground. It's difficult to reach if it's located near multiple stories of a building's roof. However, if your exterior vent is close to the ground, you can continue the process of drilling brushing, and snaking flexible rods through it.
7. Reassemble the Dryer
After the cleaning is done, plug the dryer in again and connect the dryer vent to the dryer duct. Turn the gas valve on if necessary.
Dryer Safety Tips: Keep Your Dryer Vent Clean.
The lint trap is the key to keeping your dryer's exhaust vent clean. If you use dryer sheets, make sure you clean the dryer's lint trap every time you use it. This is crucial. This will help to maintain a clean dryer vent. It will also keep your dryer's performance high, increase drying time, and reduce the possibility of house fires.
It's important to keep your dryer clean and dry. Never leave your home after turning on the dryer. A dryer fire can start even if you aren't home.
Duct Cleaning Tucson
Tucson, AZ
(520) 580 2270