Cleaning Dryer Vents

We all clean the primary lint filter when we use a dryer, but few people think about cleaning the dryer vent to remove the buildup of lint that develops there. This is important to prevent damage to the dryer, as well as lint fires. Lint fires are the cause of 15,500 fires a year, as well as the creation of carbon monoxide poisoning.

1. Disconnect the dryer from gas and electric supplies completely. If you use a gas dryer, turn the gas off for safety purposes.


2. Pull the dryer away from the wall until you can see the extension for the vent. This is usually no more than 2 feet.


3. Loosen the 4" vent clamp that is on the back of the dryer with a screwdriver or nut driver, so you can guide the vent off the dryer.


4. Reach into the hole now exposed on the back of the dryer. Remove any lint that has accumulated in the area. You may want to use a Shop Vac to quickly, cleanly and thoroughly remove the lint.


5. Clean out the vent tubing that was removed from the back of the dryer. You can use the Shop Vac for this as well.


6. Look into the tubing and the dryer vent hole. Usually the lint buildup will be located near the end of the tubing and vent. If there does happen to be a buildup further in, a plumbing snake can be used to remove it.


7. Slip the clamp back into place.


8. Reconnect the vent.


9. Tighten the clamp well to ensure the vent will remain in place.


10. Slide dryer back into place.


11. Clean the exhaust vent on the outside of the house as well. You may be able to use the Shop Vac and an attachment to vacuum between the slats to clean the vent.
    If this is not possible or not working well, you will likely need to remove the vent cover. Carefully cut the caulking away and remove the screws. If it has a sleeve inside, carefully slide it out toward you.


12. Stretch your arm into the hole and remove the lint. You can also put the vacuum cleaner tubing into the exhaust vent.


13. Turn on the gas on again and plug the machine in.


14. Run the dryer for 10 minutes on air fluff. At this point, any buildup that you have loosened may fly out of the exhaust vent, so do not stand directly in front of it.


15. Check the exhaust vent for anything that may hinder proper venting.


16. Reattach the exhaust vent, once satisfied there are no obstructions or decreased exhaust flow.