How to Remove Dryer Lint With a Kit

Flexible plastic dryer hosing is more likely to sag and trap lint.

Lint build-up in a dryer vent can increase dry times and may even cause a fire. Regular emptying of the lint screen does not remove all the lint produced during the drying process. Dryer lint removal kits help you reach all the lint trapped in the dryer's ventilation system. Most lint removal kits include one or more long flexible brushes and a vacuum hose attachment. You can improve the performance of a dryer and safety of your home with a lint removal kit.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Vacuum

Instructions

1. Unplug electric dryers. Remove the lint screen. Slide the appliance away from the wall until you can access the joint where the vent hose attaches to the rear dryer vent.

2. Loosen the clamp or collar holding the vent hose on with a screwdriver. Disconnect the vent hose from the rear dryer vent.

3. Insert the brush with narrower bristles into the opening where you removed the lint screen.Twist the brush inside the trap and lift out the lint. Continue until the brush comes out without any lint.

4. Connect the specialized lint removal hose attachment to the end of a vacuum hose nozzle. Lower the hose into the lint trap where you removed the screen. Turn on the vacuum and move the hose up and down to suck out the remaining lint.

5. Slide the round bristle brush into the rear vent open opening as far as it will go. Twist the brush as you slowly pull it out. Repeat this process until the brush comes out clean.

6. Push the round bristled brush into the detached vent hose as far as it will go. Twist the brush as you slowly pull it out. Repeat the process until the brush comes out clean.

7. Remove the hose attachment from the lint removal kit. Vacuum the lint from the screen and all the brushes. Reinstall the lint screen.

8. Reattach the vent hose and rear dryer vent. Tighten any clamps or collars that were in place.

9. Push the dryer back into position carefully to avoid causing kinks in the vent hose. Plug electric dryers back into an outlet.

Tips & Warnings

• Wipe down the exterior of the dryer with a multipurpose household cleaner to remove the layer of dust it accumulated during the lint removal process.

• Lint brushes from the removal kit can also be used to dust hard to reach places and narrow gaps.

• Most experts advise against flexible vent hosing because of fire safety concerns. Smooth rigid vent hoses are easier to keep clean and do not kink.

References

• The Laundry Alternative; How to Clean a Dryer Vent
• The Home Depot: Dundas Jafine ProClean Dryer Lint Removal Kit