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How to Clean Ductwork in a Dryer Vent

Contributor
By Josh Duvauchelle
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

A dryer can be a useful method to dry your clothes. Over the course of its use, a dryer's vent area and duct tubing may experience a buildup of lint and dust from your clothes. This collection of debris reduces the effectiveness of your dryer and can also pose a fire hazard. Learn how to clean your dryer's duct tubing and vent to help dry your clothes faster and safely.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Screwdriver (match to the type of screws used on the back of your dryer vent)
  • Vacuum (optional)
  • Wire hanger (optional)
  1. Step 1

    Disconnect the dryer from any electrical or gas outlets. If the latter, be sure to turn off the gas line.

  2. Step 2

    Pull the dryer out from the wall as far as possible without pulling out the dryer duct tubing.

  3. Step 3

    Slide the duct tubing out of the vent hole.

  4. Step 4

    Unscrew the vent clamp on the rear end of the dryer and set aside with all four screws. Keep the screws together with the vent clamp to prevent losing any of the pieces.

  5. Step 5

    Pull out lint and dust from the inside edges of the dryer vent. Carefully place your hand inside the vent, avoiding any sharp pieces on the edge and pull out the lint from inside the vent. Alternatively, use a vacuum to clean out any debris from inside the vent.

  6. Step 6

    Use your hand or a vacuum to clean the inside of the vent tubing. The majority of the lint and dust will collect at each end of the tubing. Use a bent wire hanger or broomstick to push out any debris that has collected in the middle of the tubing.

  7. Step 7

    Slide the vent clamp back over the dryer vent, being careful to align the notches on the clamp with the notches in the dryer.

  8. Step 8

    Use the screwdriver to screw the vent clamp back over the vent. Tap it slightly to check that it is secure.

  9. Step 9

    Insert the vent hosing back into the vent hole.

  10. Step 10

    Plug the dryer back into the electrical or gas outlet.

  11. Step 11

    Turn on the dryer and run the machine empty for 15 minutes to blow out any lint or dust that may have become loose, but not removed, while you cleaned the dryer vent.

Tips & Warnings
  • Clean your lint trap after every dryer cycle. Have your dryer professionally serviced every two years.
  • Failing to clean the duct work in your dryer may create a fire hazard.
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