How to Unclog a Dryer Exhaust
When your clothes are taking a long time to dry or seem to be damp it may be time to clean the dryer exhaust. It does not take long once you know how to unclog a dryer exhaust. Dryer cleaning kits are available at most hardware stores. A long flexible handled lint brush will be necessary. If you have long duct work or duct work that runs inside of walls, an electrician's fish tape will be very useful. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Socket wrench set
- Long dryer lint brush
- Electrician's fish tape
Instructions
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1
Unplug the dryer from the dryer wall outlet. Move the dryer away from the wall so that you can work behind the dryer.
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Use a Phillips head screwdriver to loosen the screw on the clamp that secures the dryer duct to the exhaust port on the back of the dryer. Some clamps will use a hex head screw which will require you to use a socket wrench. Pull the dryer duct off of the dryer exhaust port.
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3
Use a long dryer lint brush to clean out the dryer exhaust port. Move the lint brush in and out of the dryer exhaust port while rotating the brush. Sweep all of the lint and debris out of the exhaust port using the lint brush.
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4
Loosen and remove the duct work from the outside dryer vent connection inside the home. If you have a short exhaust duct that runs from the dryer straight to the wall you can run the lint brush completely through it and remove all the lint and debris. For dryer ducts that are longer or may run through the roof or long walls, an electrician's fish tape will be necessary.
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Insert the electrician's fish tape through the dryer duct at the lowest end of the duct work. Feed the fish tape all the way through until it comes out of the higher end of the dryer duct. Go to the higher end of the dryer duct and attach the dryer lint brush handle to the end of the electricians fish tape. Most fish tapes have a hook that will grab the handle while you will have to tape the handle on those that do not have a hook.
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Go back to the low end of the dryer duct and begin to pull the fish tape through the dryer duct. Slowly work the fish tape by pushing it up and pulling it down as you draw the fish tape out of the dryer duct. If the brush gets jammed into an elbow inside the dryer duct, simply move it up and down with the fish tape until it dislodges. Continue pulling the fish tape until the dryer lint brush comes out of the dryer duct.
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Clean the inside of the outside dryer vent with the lint brush. Go outside and remove any lint and debris from the outside dryer vent louvers. Make sure that the damper is opening and closing easily if your dryer vent is equipped with a damper.
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Go back inside and reconnect the dryer duct to the outside dryer vent and the exhaust port on the back of the dryer. Push the dryer back to its working position and plug the dryer back into the dryer wall outlet.
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Tips & Warnings
Always disconnect appliance before attempting to service them.
