How to Clean Dryer Vents & Airducts

According to the American Lung Association, air ducts in the average American home have more germs than a chicken coup. That's definitely an unsettling thought, but it's not something you're helpless to. Cleaning your dryer vent and air ducts may not be at the top of your list for fun things to do, but it's an incredibly easy process that will make all the difference in the world when it comes to your home's air quality and your dryer's performance.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum with attachments
• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Unplug your dryer for your safety.

2. Pull the dryer out and away from the washer, just far enough to comfortably reach the dryer vent.

3. Loosen the dryer vent clamp with a screwdriver and slide it off the dryer.

4. Suck out any lint or buildup located in the hole on the back of the dryer. Your vacuum's hose attachment will work well here.

5. Place vacuum hose into the vent tubing and remove as much lint and debris as you possibly can.

6. Clean out the ends of your vent using your vacuum's most flexible, long hose, as most of the lint will build up at the ends of the vents.

7. Place the clamp back over the vent, reattach the dryer vent, tighten the vent clamp and slide the dryer back into its rightful place.

Tips & Warnings

• Running the dryer on its air fluff setting for about 10 minutes after its cleaning will loosen any debris or lint you did not catch. You should clean your dryer's lint filter after each load.

• Never attempt to clean vents and/or air ducts without first unplugging the dryer.

References

• The Ultimate Dryer Venting Guide
• Air Duct Cleaning