How to Clean the Venting System on Whirlpool Dryers

A clean dryer vent will enhance your dryer's efficiency.

Whirlpool clothes dryers are available in gas and electric varieties, with many models to choose from. For each of these, though, cleaning the venting system is key to ensuring the safe operation of the dryer. Whirlpool recommends cleaning the venting system every two years. The exhaust pipe carries heat, moisture and lint away from the dryer, outside your home. Lint buildup in the exhaust system will place a strain on your dryer and become a fire hazard. According to a study by the National Fire Protection Association in 2006, of the roughly 17,700 laundry-related fires, more than 90% were caused by clothes dryers. Cleaning the venting system will help eliminate the risk of fire and keep your dryer operating at its peak.

Things You'll Need

• Dryer vent-cleaning kit
• Vacuum
• Tension clamps

Instructions

1. Unplug the dryer, gripping the plug firmly in your hand. Pull the plug from the outlet, being careful not to touch the sides of the plug or metal prongs. The dryer plug is a 220-amp plug that will cause serious injury if not removed properly. Pull the dryer away from the wall to expose the back of the dryer and the venting system.

2. Remove the lint trap from the dryer. Some models store the lint trap inside the dryer door, while others are located on top of the dryer. Wipe away the lint lining from the trap and discard. Set the trap aside.

3. Slide the long narrow brush from the dryer vent-cleaning kit into the open cavity of the lint trap. Slide the brush up and down and from side to side. Remove the brush after each swipe to retrieve the lint. Discard large lint pieces in the trash.

4. Place the hose of a vacuum cleaner with a chisel attachment into the lint trap cavity. Slide the vacuum hose as far into the cavity as it will go, moving it back and forth to remove smaller lint particles and buildup. Place the lint trap back into the cavity when the cavity is free of lint buildup.

5. Disconnect the exhaust pipe from the back of the dryer, removing any tape or adhesive used to attach the pipe to the dryer exhaust. Disassemble the pipe into sections, discarding any tape used to hold the sections of pipe together.

6. Pull large lint pieces from the exhaust. Place the large round brush from the dryer vent-cleaning kit into the exhaust vent. Turn the brush clockwise while pulling it out of the exhaust pipe, removing the lint. Repeat several times until the majority of the lint has been removed from the exhaust and the buildup has been removed from the sides.

7. Vacuum the exhaust with the hose attachment to remove smaller lint particles and debris.

8. Clean the disassembled pipes with the large round brush. Attach the PVC rod to the brush to ensure it will reach through the piece of pipe. Rotate the brush to remove the lint buildup, pulling the brush from the pipe after each turn. Continue with each section of pipe until the entire exhaust pipe has been cleaned and is free of lint buildup.

9. Reassemble the exhaust pipe, fitting a tension clamp around each section to secure it to the next. To prevent a fire risk, do not replace the duct tape or other adhesive material on the pipe. Secure the pipe to the dryer exhaust with a tension clamp.

10. Push the dryer against the wall, ensuring that the pipe is not crimped or bent. Plug the dryer back into the outlet, so it is ready for use.

Tips & Warnings

• Use rigid pieces of exhaust pipe to avoid kinks and clogs.

References

• Retrevo: Whirlpool User Manual, Page 4
• National Fire Prevention Association: Dryers and Washing Machines
• Retrevo: Whirlpool User Manual, Page 9