02/11/2023
Safety Alert and advice! We see this so often and it is by far the most important appliance safety advise we can provide.
Dirty dryer vents are a common cause of house fires. In fact, according to the National Fire Protection Association, dirty dryer vents are responsible for more than 15,000 house fires every year! That’s why it’s important to know how to clean a dryer exhaust vent and clean your dryer vents regularly. Dirty dryer vents can also cause your dryer to become less efficient, costing you more money in energy bills. And they can even cause a bad smell from your dryer! Cleaning your dryer vent the right way will help keep your family safe and save you money.
When should you be concerned?
Check the airflow exiting your home on a regular basis!
A major red flag indicating a restricted vent can be long dry times. If you have to turn your dryer on repeatedly to dry a load of towels, you may have an airflow issue. Do not ignore this symptom!
How to Clean a Dryer Exhaust Vent
So do you want to learn how to clean a dryer exhaust vent? Here are some tips for getting the job done safely and efficiently.
#1: Turn Off the Power Source
Before you start cleaning your dryer vent, make sure to turn off the power source. This will ensure that there is no risk of electric shock while you are working on the vent. Most dryers have a switch on the back or side of them which allows you to turn off the power without having to unplug it.
#2: Remove the External Vent Cover
Wondering how to clean dryer vent from outside when the vent cover is there, we’ll help you remove the vent? Once you have turned off the power, remove the external vent cover from the outside of your home. This will expose the ducts that lead to your dryer and allow you to access them for cleaning. Be sure to wear gloves while doing this as there may be dust and debris in the vents. See Picture Below
#3: Vacuum the Ducts
Follow these steps to clean out any debris trapped in your dryer ducts: Pull the dryer away from the wall, and disconnect the vent.
Use a vacuum with an appropriate brush attachment to remove any lint or debris that may have built up in the ducts.
You can also use a dryer vent cleaning tool which you can find online or at Home Depot.
Be sure to vacuum both the inside and outside of the ducts as well as around the dryer.
Be sure to move slowly and check all corners for any buildup of lint, which can be a fire hazard.
If you find particularly large clumps of lint, use a brush attachment to help break them up.
dryer vent cleaning tool
#4: Clean the Vent Cover
Once you have vacuumed all of the ducts, use a brush and then a damp cloth to wipe down the external vent cover and any other visible part of the exhaust vent system. This will help remove any dust or debris that may have built up over time.
Cleaning The Lint Trap Vent
Your dryer also has a lint trap vent, which should be cleaned out at least once per month. To do this, unplug the dryer and remove the lint filter. Use a vacuum cleaner to vacuum out all of the lint in the vent lint trap and then re-install the filter.
Cleaning your dryer exhaust vent regularly is essential for preventing house fires, saving energy, and keeping your dryer running efficiently, and avoiding things like loud noises from dryer. By following these steps for how to clean a dryer exhaust vent, you can easily clean it consistently. Be sure to check your vent once a month and clean out any lint that has built up in the filter or ducts. With regular maintenance, you can help keep your home safe and reduce the risk of fire. And remember for any issues our dryer repair team is always here to help!
