It is important to keep your dryer vent free of lint and other debris.
When the dryer vent is clogged with lint your clothes will take longer to dry. You may notice the dryer feels hot to the touch and the laundry room may feel very warm when the dryer is running.
A clogged dryer vent is a fire hazard. According to The National Fire Protection Association firefighters across the United States respond to about 13,820 home fires annually caused by dryers, an estimated 27 percent of these fires are caused by an accumulation of lint.
A clogged dryer vent can also increase your utility bills because your dryer will not work efficiently increasing the time it takes to dry a load of clothes.
Keeping the dryer vent clean will also prolong the life of your dryer. A dryer with a clogged vent will need to run longer and work harder to dry loads of clothes causing parts to fail prematurely. Proper maintenance is important to keep all appliances working well.
The average cost to have dryer vent cleaning done professionally is between $100-$170 depending on where you live.
Instead of paying for a cleaning do it yourself. It generally takes 30-45 minutes to complete the job and should be done twice a year.
The first thing to do is buy a dryer vent cleaning kit. You can get these at your local hardware store or order one online.
Bluesea 20 Feet Dryer Vent Cleaning Kit
PetOde 3 Pack Dryer Vent Cleaner Kit
Look for one that comes with a brush to clean out the lint trap, a dryer duct snake brush, and a vacuum attachment.
Aside from the cleaning kit you will also need a screwdriver, vacuum cleaner (a shop-vac works best if you have one) and a pair of work gloves (wear work gloves because some areas on the dryer may have sharp edges)
Depending on where your dryer is located, you might need to move the dryer away from the wall so that you can easily access the back of the dryer where the vent is located.
Unplug the dryer from the electrical outlet. If you have a gas dryer turn off the gas supply valve while you work and be careful not to damage the flexible gas line when you move the dryer.
Open the dryer door and remove the lint filter. Clean off any lint attached to the filter and then use a soft cloth and warm water to wash the filter. Set it aside to dry.
Use the lint trap brush and vacuum with the attachment to clean the lint trap. Push the brush into the trap and spin it around to collect the lint. Clear the lint from the brush and repeat the process until the brush comes out clean. Use the vacuum to suction the debris as you work. Then use the vacuum attachment to suction out any remaining debris from the lint trap.
When done cleaning the lint trap replace the lint filter and close the dryer door.
Move to the back of the dryer and disconnect the flexible dryer duct/hose. If you can detach the duct/hose from the wall exhaust pipe it will be easier to clean but if it is too difficult to remove leave it connected.
You may need to use a screwdriver to loosen the clamp that attaches the dryer duct to the dryer exhaust opening (not all dryers will have a clamp) If you notice that the dryer duct/hose is damaged or worn purchase a new one. Refer to the user manual that came with your dryer. Manufacturers will specify what type of tubbing should be used with each model.
Handle the dryer duct/hose with care, some of these are easily damaged.
Use the snake brush and vacuum to remove the debris from the dryer exhaust vent, this is the opening on the back of the dryer that the duct/hose attaches to.
Once the exhaust vent is clean use the tools to clean the dryer duct/hose. Insert the snake brush tool into the duct/hose spinning it around as you work your way through the hose. Use the vacuum cleaner at the same time to vacuum up the lint as you work. Do this until all of the lint has been removed.
Next, go outside and clean the exterior vent cover with the brush and vacuum cleaner.
While the dryer is still pulled away from the wall clean that area with the vacuum cleaner. Then reconnect the dryer duct/hose to the back of the dryer and to the wall exhaust pipe if you removed it.
Be sure to reconnect the dryer duct/hose correctly. If it is not connected the right way moist air can escape which can lead to mold and mildew buildup.
Plug the electrical cord back in and if it is a gas dryer turn the gas back on and move the dryer back into place.
Repeat this process twice a year. Clean the lint filter after every use and clean the lint trap every few months to keep your dryer working properly.
The Tech Minimalist 