A clogged dryer vent is not only an inconvenience, but it can also be a serious fire hazard. A dryer vent that’s filled with lint and debris can cause your dryer to work harder and run less efficiently, which can increase your utility bills and may even damage your dryer.
It’s important to unclog your dryer vent regularly to keep it working safely and efficiently. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how you can unclog a dryer vent, including easy steps you can take to clean your dryer vent yourself and signs that may indicate you need to clean your dryer vent.
Continue reading to learn all of these!
How to Clean A Dryer Vent: Easy Steps To Unclog It Yourself
Cleaning a dryer vent is an important task that helps prevent fires and improves the efficiency of your dryer. Here are easy steps to help you unclog your dryer vent yourself:
Step 1: Prepare Your Dryer Vent Cleaning Kit
Gather a dryer vent cleaning kit, which usually includes a vacuum cleaner, long hose attachment, lint brush, and leaf blower.
Step 2: Disconnect and Clean the Dryer Exhaust Vent
Disconnect the dryer exhaust vent from the back of the dryer. Clean the area around the vent using the vacuum and crevice tool.
Step 3: Clean the Dryer Vent Duct
Use the dryer vent cleaning kit to clean out the inside of the dryer vent duct. Insert the brush into the duct and rotate it to remove lint and debris.
Step 4: Clean the Dryer Vent Pipe
Use the vacuum attachment to clean up any debris around the dryer vent pipe. Disconnect the vent pipe from the wall and clean it out using the brush and vacuum.
Step 5: Clean the Dryer Vent Wall Duct
Use the dryer vent brush and vacuum to clean the inside of the wall duct. Check for any damage to the duct and repair it as needed.
Step 6: Clean Up At The Back of the Dryer
Use the crevice tool to clean up any debris or lint around the back of the dryer. Reconnect the dryer exhaust vent to the back of the dryer.
Step 7: Replace the Dryer and Reconnect
Replace the dryer in its original position. Reconnect the vent pipe to the wall and the dryer.
How to Know You Need to Clean A Dryer Vent
It’s important to know when you need to clean your dryer vent to prevent potential hazards and ensure that your dryer is running efficiently. Here are some signs that may indicate it’s time to clean your dryer vents:
The Laundry Room is Humid
When the laundry room feels like it is filled with hot air causing the temperature to rise, this usually indicates that the vent isn’t properly venting moisture.
Accumulated Lint and More Lint Buildup is Visible
Another sign that indicates your clothes dryer vent needs cleaning is when you notice that there’s an excessive amount of lint buildup. Try checking the dryer lint filter after every single use to check the buildup of lint inside the vent cover.
Clothes are Damp Even After a Full Drying Cycle
If clothes are still wet or damp even after a full drying cycle, then this means that there’s restricted airflow, which is often caused by a clogged dryer vent.
Your Dryer Ducts Are Missing
If your dryer ducts are missing, it’s imperative that you have the ducts installed by a professional, as this can cause a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide.
Too Hot to Touch
For instance the exterior vent or the exterior wall feels too hot to touch, this may indicate that the dryer is overheating, which could be a sign of a clogged vent causing the dryer to work harder to dry clothes.
Tips for Preventing a Dryer Vent From Clogging
There is no way you can prevent a dryer vent from clogging. But there are helpful tips to prolong the time between cleanings and to make sure that it is operating at maximum efficiency.
- Clean the lint screen filter after every load of laundry.
- Use a vent brush or vacuum attachment regularly to clean out the vent pipe.
- Consider upgrading to a metal vent pipe instead of a plastic one, which can be more prone to clogging.
- Do not overload your dryer with laundry, as this can cause the dryer to work harder and produce more lint.
- Avoid drying items that have been soiled with flammable substances, such as gasoline or cooking oil.
- Make sure the outdoor vent cap is clear of debris or wildlife nests.
- Consider installing a dryer vent alarm, which can alert you if the vent becomes clogged and airflow is restricted.
Leave the Task to the Professionals
While it’s possible and necessary to clean your dryer vent regularly, it can be a time-consuming and potentially dangerous task. If you’re not comfortable or confident in your ability to unclog your dryer vent, it’s best to leave the task to the professionals.
A professional dryer vent cleaning service has the expertise, tools, and knowledge to ensure that your dryer vent is thoroughly cleaned and rid of any potential hazards. It’s also a good idea to have your dryer vent inspected by a professional at least once a year.
If you live in Australia and looking for reliable dryer vent cleaning service or any appliance repair services, Quality Appliance Repair is here to help. We offer fast and affordable dryer vent cleaning services in all the major cities of Australia. Check out our website today for more information.
