How to Clean Your Dryer Vent: DIY

February 22, 2024

Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide

Now that you have your tools and materials ready, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get started on cleaning your dryer vent. Follow these steps for a thorough and effective cleaning process:

Step 1: Safety First

  • Before anything else, ensure your dryer is unplugged or disconnected from its power source.  If you have a gas dryer, turn the supply valve off while cleaning.  
  • Put on safety goggles and a dust mask to protect your eyes and respiratory system.
  • Wear work gloves to safeguard your hands during the cleaning process.

Step 2: Locate and Access the Vent

  • Locate the dryer vent exhaust on the exterior of your home. It’s usually a flap or grille.
  • If your vent is on the roof, exercise caution and consider professional help for high or hard-to-reach vents.
  • Remove the vent cover, grille, or flap, and set it aside for cleaning later.

 

Shows what the dryer vent hose looks like and how to disconnect from the external exhaust

Step 3: Disconnect the Dryer

  • Carefully pull your dryer away from the wall to access the vent connection.
  • Depending on your dryer model, use a screwdriver to disconnect the vent hose or pipe from the back of the dryer.
  • Detach the vent hose from the interior exhaust.  Your vent hose might be taped to the interior exhaust or you might need a screwdriver. 
  • REMINDER: If it’s a gas dryer, ensure the gas supply is turned off before proceeding.
demonstrates what the reader is learning to do

Step 4: Begin Cleaning

  • Attach the vent brush to your cleaning rods, creating an extended brush.
  • Insert the brush into the vent opening on the wall or ceiling.
  • Gently push the brush forward and pull it back, while rotating to scrub away lint and debris. Repeat this step several times.
  • Don’t forget to clean out the external exhaust
shows the reader what the dryer vent opening looks like and what the process of vacuuming should look like

Step 5: Vacuum the Debris

  • Use the hose attachment for your vacuum cleaner or shop vac to clean in and around the vent opening or use it to collect debris that falls from the vent.
  • If needed, wearing gloves, reach into the vent and pull out debris. 
  • Repeat this process for both the interior and external vents.
  • Don’t forget to check to make sure that the dryer duct is clear of debris. 

 

Shows what the dryer vent exhaust looks like and how to vacuum it out

Step 6: Clean the Vent Cover

  • Time to clean the vent cover you removed earlier. Clean it using your vent brush and vacuum cleaner to remove any blockages.

Step 7: Reconnect and Test

  • Reattach the vent hose or pipe to your dryer and secure it tightly with a screwdriver.
  • Push your dryer back into place.
  • Reattach the vent hose to the interior vent exhaust using duct tape or 
  •  Reinstall the vent cover on the exterior of your home.

Step 8: Plug in and Test

  • Reconnect your dryer to its power source.
  • Turn it on and run it for a few minutes to ensure that air is flowing freely through the vent.

Step 9: Dispose of Debris

  • Properly dispose of the collected lint and debris in a trash bag or container.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully cleaned your dryer vent, improving your home’s safety and efficiency. Remember to schedule professional dryer vent cleaning yearly to ensure a thorough inspection and maintenance of your vent system.

By following these steps, you’re not only extending the life of your dryer but also reducing the risk of a fire hazard and increasing energy efficiency. Keep up the good work, and your laundry will thank you!