Dryer Duct Cleaning – is it necessary for your home?

Homeowners often wonder, “Should I clean my dryer vent?” 

The short answer is, Yes! 

You should definitely have your dryer vents cleaned regularly. 

The National Fire Protection Association reports that: 

• 27% – Percentage of residential home fires due to failure to clean dust, fiber, or lint build-up within dryers, dryer vents, and dryer exhaust vents. 
• 14, 692 – estimated home fire involving clothes dryer machines each year. 
• $218,960,000 – annual average cost in direct residential home property damage related to dryer fires from 2010-2014. 

What can you do to clean your dryer duct? 

Tools and Supplies You’ll Need

• Safety gloves
• Screwdriver
• brushes and flexible rods to help you clean the dryer (available at most hardware stores.)
• Vacuum with a hose attachment

Step 1. Disconnect Your Dryer

• Before you start cleaning your dryer vent, unplug the power cord attached to your dryer from the outlet or turn off the gas/propane valve if you have a gas dryer. You might need to pull the dryer about a foot away from the wall to reach the cord.
• Detach the dryer duct, located on the back of the dryer, from the wall and the dryer. You might need to use a screwdriver to remove the duct.
• Locate the exterior vent outside your home and remove the cover of the vent from the exit point. This will make it easier to clean with a brush. If you’re unsure where the exterior vent is, turn your dryer on and go outside your home and walk around, listening for the dryer’s sound.

Step 2. Clean the Vent With a Brush Kit

• Assemble the cleaning kit. Attach the brush to one of the flexible rods.
• Insert the brush into the vent and slowly spin the brush while moving it in a back-and-forth motion to remove all of the lint. If the brush is long enough, it could reach all the way to the exit point outside.
• Continue to clean until the vent is lint free.
• Once you’ve cleaned the vent, clean the duct and inside the dryer.

Step 3. Vacuum the Vent

• Attach a hose to your vacuum so it can reach any lint the brush didn’t get.
• Insert the vacuum into the vent and remove any leftover lint or dust.
• Vacuum up the lint from the duct and inside the dryer as well.
• Go to the exterior vent outside your home and vacuum it. (If your vacuum is for in-home use only, skip this step and just clean with the brush.)
• Replace the exterior cover on the vent.

Step 4. Reconnect Your Dryer

Once you’ve finished cleaning the vent, it’s time to put the dryer back together.

• Make sure the ducts are undamaged before you reconnect everything. Replace the duct if it’s bent or has holes in it.
• Re-attach ductwork to the vent and dryer. Use the screwdriver from before.
• Move the dryer back into place.
• Plug the dryer into the outlet or turn the gas/propane valve back on.
• Test the dryer by running it for a couple of minutes to ensure it’s properly connected and remove any remaining dust.

Although you can clean your dryer vent yourself, Golden Line Green Care always recommends hiring a professional. If the dryer vents outside through your roof, you may not want to scale a ladder to clean it, so it’s best to leave it to the professionals. 

Contact us today to book a cleaning with Golden Line Green Care.