A clean dryer vent is essential for the safety and efficiency of your dryer, and it’s easier to do than you might think. In this blog post, we’ll go over the importance of cleaning your dryer vent and provide step-by-step instructions on how to do it yourself. If you’re wondering how to clean a dryer vent, keep reading this DIY guide!
All You Need to Know to Clean a Dryer Vent
Dryer vents can become clogged with lint, dust, and other debris, which can cause a host of problems. Not only can a clogged dryer vent reduce the efficiency of your dryer, but it can also be a fire hazard. Up to 2,900 home fires start from dryers every year, and failure to clean the dryer ducts is the leading cause! If you last cleaned your dryer vent a while ago, it’s time to get on it!
How Do I Know if My Dryer Vent Is Clogged?
There are several warning signs and dangers of a clogged dryer vent.
1. Dryer Isn’t Drying Very Well
If your dryer takes too long to dry clothes, there are a couple of potential problems: bad spin cycles on the washing machine and bad dryer ducts. If your washing machine won’t spin, then your clothes will be soaking wet in the dryer. Fix a washing machine that won’t spin before blaming the dryer!
If your dryer takes more than one cycle, it may be due to clogged dryer ducts. Clogs in the dryer ducts affect your machine’s ability to dry, and cleaning them out can give you fresher, cleaning clothing.
2. Burning Smells from Dryer
Ever smelled your dryer and it smells like burning fabric and smoldering hair? That smell is the combination of a clogged dryer duct and a lot of heat. In fact, dryer duct fires are a real danger—having your duct cleaned often prevents that risk. You’ll want to clean a dryer vent ASAP if you smell this odor coming from your dryer.
3. Dryer Hasn’t Been Cleaned in a While
If a dryer and vent have been cleaned for a while, it can lead to several problems. Lint and debris can build up in the vent, reducing the dryer’s efficiency and increasing the fire risk. A clogged dryer vent can also cause the dryer to overheat, potentially damaging the machine and even starting a fire.
In addition, a dirty dryer vent can cause the dryer to take longer to dry clothes, leading to higher energy bills and wear and tear on the machine. To avoid these problems, it is important to regularly clean the dryer and vent to ensure they are functioning properly and safely.
Can You Clean Dryer Vent Yourself?
Yes, it is possible to clean a dryer vent yourself. However, it is important to note that cleaning a dryer vent can take time, especially if you are unfamiliar with the process. It is important to follow proper safety precautions, such as unplugging the dryer and wearing protective gear.
How to Tackle Dryer Duct Cleaning
Your dryer duct is connected to the aluminum tube in the back that collects all the condensation, lint, and dirt from your wet clothing. Dryer duct cleaning and dryer vent cleaning are essential to maintaining home safety and a well-functioning dryer.
Are you wondering how to clean dryer vents or how to clean your dryer duct? Complete dryer duct cleaning can only be handled with special tools. Vacuum cleaners might pull some of the built-up lint out of the duct, but it won’t scrub down the sides. You can use a vacuum cleaner to clean the inside of a dryer, but a dryer cleaning brush is needed for the duct.
For DIY Dryer Duct Cleaning:
- Unplug the dryer.
- Remove the aluminum tubing. Have a vacuum cleaner handy because lint will likely spill out during cleaning.
- Run a brush through the duct, being sure to hit all the sides. Spin the brush to dislodge the material.
- Use a vacuum cleaner to clean up any loose lint.
- Reattach the tubing and plug the dryer back in.
After brushing, ensure you don’t damage the tubing when you reinstall. You’ll need more extensive repairs if you accidentally puncture the tubing or damage your house’s dryer vent.
How to Reduce Lint Buildup
Reducing the amount of lint that builds up in the dryer vent and dryer duct can help avoid the need for deep, extensive cleaning.
1. Clean the Lint Screen
Make sure to clean the lint screen in your dryer. Cleaning the lint screens reduces the amount of lint that builds up in the duct. A good rule of thumb is to clean the dryer lint screen after each load of laundry.
2. Reduce Strain on Your Dryer
Soggy clothing and towels are tough to dry for even the best dryer. By keeping loads smaller and spinning clothes multiple times, you can reduce the stress on your dryer. Limiting the strain on your dryer helps reduce the chances that your duct will get filled with lint.
If you smell burning, stop the dryer immediately and call a professional. There’s no need to risk a fire hazard!
If you cannot reach all areas of the vent or encounter any difficulties during the cleaning process, it may be best to hire a professional to clean the vent for you. If you need professional cleaning for your dryer duct, schedule our dryer duct cleaning service right away.
