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How to Clean a Residential Dryer Vent

Contributor
By Pamela Gardapee
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

Cleaning your dryer vent not only helps prevent fires, it also helps you dryer work less when drying clothes. Dirty vent ducts can increase the drying time needed for one load of clothes. Learn how to clean a residential dryer vent to keep you home safe from fire, and you dryer working the way it should.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Plastic bag
  • Wire brush
  • Air compressor with a blower wand
  • Screwdriver
  • Duct sealing tape
  • Goggles
  1. Step 1

    Use a screwdriver to remove the dryer vent from the back of the dryer.

  2. Step 2

    Use a wire brush with a long handle to brush the inside of the vent tube. If you have a straight metal pipe, this is simple. If you have a plastic vent hose, it will take some time to get all of the lint loose.

  3. Step 3

    Vacuum as far into the hose or pipe as you can reach. Try to get as much lint and dirt out before the next step.

  4. Step 4

    Place the plastic bag on the outside vent. Have someone hold the bag in place. This person should wear goggles to protect their eyes. Use an air-compressor wand to blow out any leftover lint in the pipe or hose.

  5. Step 5

    Vacuum out the bottom of the dryer before putting the hose or pipe back on the dryer. Use sealing tape around the area to form a tight, non-leaking seal.

  6. Step 6

    Start the dryer up and check the seal. Put your hand by the seal to make sure no air is escaping. If it is, add some more sealing tape.

Tips & Warnings
  • Clean your dryer vent annually.
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