To clean a dryer vent, unplug the dryer, pull it out, disconnect the duct, clear the lint from the duct, the dryer's outlet and the outside vent hood, then reconnect everything. Lint is flammable, and a clogged vent is a real fire risk as well as a reason your clothes take two cycles to dry. Most homeowners should do this at least once a year. If your dryer is gas, treat the gas connection as off limits.
Time: about an hour. Skill: moderate.
What are the warning signs of a clogged dryer vent?
- Clothes still damp after a full cycle
- The dryer or the laundry room is unusually hot
- A burning smell
- Lint around the outside vent, or a flap that does not open
- The lint screen is clean but there is still lint everywhere else
If you smell burning, stop using the dryer until it is checked.
What do you need?
- A dryer vent brush kit with flexible rods that attach to a drill
- A vacuum with a hose
- A screwdriver or nut driver
- Foil tape and a metal clamp if you replace a section
- Gloves and a dust mask
How do you clean a dryer vent?
- Unplug the dryer. If it is gas, do not touch or disconnect the gas line. Move the dryer only enough to reach the duct, and if the gas hose looks tight or stressed, stop and call a pro.
- Pull the dryer out carefully so you do not crush or kink the duct.
- Detach the duct from the back of the dryer by loosening the clamp.
- Vacuum the dryer's outlet and the duct opening on the wall.
- Clean the duct. Run the brush through it from the inside, adding rods as you go, and turn the drill in the clockwise direction only so the rods do not come apart. Pull lint out as you work.
- Clean from outside. Go to the exterior vent hood. Remove lint, bird nests and debris, and make sure the flap opens and closes freely. In Arizona, birds, wasps and bees like to nest in vents, so wear gloves and watch for stinging insects.
- Check the duct. If you have a white vinyl or thin foil accordion duct, consider replacing it with a rigid or semi-rigid metal duct. Ribbed ducts trap lint, and plastic can burn. Keep the run as short and straight as possible.
- Reconnect the duct with clamps and metal foil tape. Do not use screws that poke into the duct, which catch lint.
- Push the dryer back, leaving space behind it so the duct is not squashed. Plug it in and run it for 10 minutes. Check that air flows strongly out of the vent hood.
What else helps?
Clean the lint screen after every load. About once a month, wash the screen with soap and a brush, since dryer sheets leave a film that blocks airflow. Do not run the dryer when you leave the house.
Roof vents and long runs
If your dryer vents through the roof, or the duct is long or hidden in the attic or walls, do not climb up there to clean it. Roofs and summer attics are dangerous. Hire a pro.
When to call a pro
Call a pro if the dryer still takes long to dry after cleaning, it will not heat, the duct is hidden or very long, or you have a gas dryer and anything about the gas connection worries you. Appliance repair companies can look at the dryer itself. Here are local appliance repair companies in the directory, with phone numbers:
Not sure who to call? Ask the helper or browse Phoenix businesses.
Questions people ask
How often should you clean a dryer vent?
At least once a year is a common recommendation. Clean it more often if you have a big family, pets or a long duct, or if you notice longer drying times.
Can a dirty dryer vent cause a fire?
Yes. Lint builds up and is easy to ignite. A clean vent and a clean lint screen lower the risk. If you smell burning, stop using the dryer.
Why does my dryer take two cycles to dry clothes?
A clogged vent is the most common cause, since moist air cannot escape. Clean the vent first. If it still happens, the dryer's heating part may need repair.
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