Methods to Clear a Dryer Vent in 6 Steps
We independently choose these merchandise—if you happen to purchase from certainly one of our hyperlinks, we could earn a fee. All costs have been correct on the time of publishing.
Do you clear your dryer vent at the least yearly? No, I don’t imply cleansing out the lint lure after each load. I imply pulling out the dryer and cleansing the hose that leads outdoors. For those who aren’t, then you have to be.
“Whereas most of us bear in mind to wash the lint filter in between laundry masses, Hippo’s Housepower Report revealed that the majority householders wait two or extra years to wash their dryer exhaust vent, if ever,” says Courtney Klosterman, dwelling insights professional at Hippo Home Insurance Group. And that may be an issue as a result of “the main explanation for dwelling fires involving dryers and washing machines are from mud, fiber, or lint buildup within the dryer exhaust vent.”
We requested Klosterman and three different equipment specialists for the precise strategy to clear a dryer vent: Callum Couser, R&D operations supervisor, hygiene, at Lysol; Will Cotter, COO of HappyCleans; and Traci Fournier, VP of operations at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning.
The gloves, masks, and security glasses are all optionally available, however it’s higher to have them simply in case. You don’t wish to by chance get an uninhibited face stuffed with dryer particles.
Additionally, empty it. In case you have any laundry within the dryer, take it out. Then, reduce the ability. “Unplug your dryer from the ability outlet to make sure there’s no probability of unintentional startup when you’re elbow-deep in cleansing,” Cotter says. Pull the dryer away from the wall so you’ve got easy accessibility to the vent and the hose.
Use the screwdriver to disconnect the vent from each the wall and the dryer. Put it down someplace clear. You could contemplate dismissing the skin of the hose at this level if it’s soiled — then you may simply vacuum up the mess.
Step 3: Vacuum and brush the vent.
Utilizing the hose attachment in your vacuum, fastidiously do a primary move of the dryer vent and hose to suck up any filth, particles, or leftover lint. Then take the dryer vent brush and provides the vent and hose one other once-over to verify all the pieces will get knocked free that shouldn’t be there. Vacuum the vent and hose another time to ensure you bought all the pieces. Don’t neglect to look simply contained in the dryer the place the hose connects. Vacuum up any particles there as effectively.
Step 4: Clear the skin portion of the vent.
In case you have entry to it, go outdoors and clear the vent exit on your private home. You’ll wish to use the identical vacuum and brush mixture to wash out right here. You too can take a fabric and wipe away any filth that doesn’t come off with the vacuum or brush.
Step 5: Examine the dryer duct.
Since you’ve bought all the pieces indifferent and clear, now’s the time to search for any issues (each inside and outdoors your private home) with the dryer duct, hose, or connections. “Examine the dryer ducts to see if there are holes or cracks that could be inflicting your dryer to not work correctly,” Fournier says. For those who discover one thing that appears out of whack, name your HVAC contractor.
Step 6: Reattach all the pieces.
You probably did it! Now, reattach the duct hose and vent (don’t neglect each the wall and the equipment itself), plug your dryer in, and revel in safer, higher warmth in your clothes.
