How to Clear a Whirlpool Dryer Vent
Every year, thousands of fires are caused by clogged dryer vents. To prevent a fire, it is necessary to clean your dryer vent often, ensuring that highly flammable lint does not build up inside. Some signs that it is time beyond time to clean your dryer vent are if your clothes are still wet after a dry cycle or if the thermal fuse on your dryer's heating element trips. The fuse is designed to detect excessive heat. If too much heat is detected, the fuse trips, cutting power to the heating element. As a rule of thumb, it is recommended that you clean dryer vents at least once every six months. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Pull the dryer away from the wall and unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.
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Loosen the screw on the vent clamp, securing the clamp to the rear of exhaust pipe of the dryer.
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3
Loosen the screw on the other vent clamp, securing the vent to the wall exhaust pipe.
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Remove the lint buildup from inside the dryer's exhaust vent on the rear of the appliance, using a shop-vac. Use a dryer vent brush to agitate the lint, allowing it to be more easily removed.
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Reinstall the dryer vent, using the two screws that were loosened to secure it.
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Plug the dryer back into the wall outlet and move the appliance back against the wall.
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Turn on the dryer and allow it to run for 15 minutes. Find the dryer vent, which is often on the rear or side of the house, and place your hand below the vent. If no air is flowing from the vent, hire a professional dryer exhaust cleaning company to clean the exhaust pipes in the home.
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Tips & Warnings
Clean the lint trap on your dryer after every load to prevent lint buildup in the dryer vent.
