How to Clean a Dryer Vent

Knowing how to clean a dryer vent can save your life! This fantastic statement is based on fact: according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 15,000 fires are started each year by clogged or dirty clothes dryer venting.

How To Clean A Dryer Vent Simply
Cleaning a dryer vent is simple. First, you'll need the proper tools. Although vacuum is an acceptable way to clean your vent, you'll have better luck with a brush. There are several dryer vent brushes on the market, and most come with a flexible handle that works like a toilet snake.

If you're not in the market for a special purpose tool, a clean toilet brush will work for short runs. For longer dryer vent pipe runs, an old rag, duct taped to a broom handle is an acceptable alternative.

Before you begin working on your dryer vent, make sure to unplug your dryer from the outlet. If you have a gas dryer, make sure the gas is turned off before you begin work. After you've unplugged your dryer, move it out from the wall far enough to allow access, but so far that you pull the exhaust pipe apart.

If you're ready, follow these simple steps to clean your dryer vent:

• Disconnect the vent pipe. With a screwdriver, loosen the clamp holding the dryer exhaust pipe. Carefully slide the pipe off the dryer.
• Remove the elbow. If you're using a flexible brush, you can skip this step. If you have a rigid exhaust pipe, remove the 90-degree elbow. You may have to remove some duct tape to get the elbow off. In rare cases, you may have to remove a few sheet metal screws.
• Brush up. Insert your brush of choice into the vent pipe, swirling it around to loosen accumulated lint. Try to get as far into the pipe as possible.
• Clean up. Using a vacuum with a wand attachment, clean up as much loose lint as you can.
• Move out. Go to the outside of your house and locate the dryer exhaust vent. Remove the cover, which is typically mounted with screws. If the cover is caulked into place, use a utility knife to score the caulk bead.
• Check it out. With the cover removed, make a visual inspection of the exhaust pipe. Remove any obstructions you find. Use caution when removing animal or insect nests.
• Brush and clean. With your brush and vacuum, clean out the exterior end of the dryer vent pipe.
• Button up. Reattach the vent cover (re-caulking if needed) and the loose pieces of dryer vent pipe. Reseal or retighten any joints or clamps that were loosened earlier.

Take this opportunity to clean behind the dryer and return the dryer to its original location. Restore power (and gas if required) to your dryer then run the dryer to make sure it is venting exhaust air properly.