Laundry Duct Cleaning

A clogged duct can reduce a dryer's efficiency.

Over time, the flexible duct that leads from your dryer to the outside vent can become filled with lint. As the lint builds up in the duct, moisture from the exhaust air can condense in the lint. The wet lint catches more lint, eventually blocking the dryer duct and reducing the dryer's efficiency. Lint in a dryer duct is also a significant fire hazard. Cleaning a dryer duct is a simple task that requires just a few minutes to complete using a wet and dry shop vacuum. The website This Old House recommends cleaning your dryer duct twice each year.

Things You'll Need

• Wet and dry shop vacuum

Instructions

1. Unplug the dryer. Pull the dryer away from the wall to provide access to the dryer duct. Disconnect the duct work from the back of the dryer and the outlet vent.

2. Place the wand attachment onto the hose of the shop vacuum and turn the vacuum on. Vacuum away any lint or dust that has collected in the outlet port at the base of your dryer.

3. Vacuum out any lint or dust visible in either end of the duct work. Work the wand attachment in a circular motion as you go.

4. Compress the duct work to expose any collected lint and insert the wand attachment to reach all parts within the duct.

5. Vacuum the outlet vent on the inside and outside of the house by inserting the vacuum wand into the duct to clean out any remaining dust or lint. Remove any filter in the outlet vent and vacuum it clean. Replace the filter, if necessary.

6. Reattach the duct work to the outlet vent and dryer outlet port. Remove the lint trap and clean it to prevent lint from collecting in the duct again.

References

• This Old House: Cleaning Out Dryer Ducts
• RepairHome: Dryer Duct Cleaning