Cleaning a dryer vent is an essential task that should be done regularly to guarantee the safety of your home and the effectiveness of your dryer. The first step is to vacuum the inside of the ventilation grille. Use a hose attachment, turn on the vacuum and suck all over the vent inlet. Put it inside the dryer's exhaust duct and vacuum what you can.
To complete this step, you'll need to go outside to locate the ventilation. The next step is to remove the vent cover outside your home. Utilize the dryer's cleaning brush, wipe dust from the ducts and use a vacuum with a hose to remove any remaining residue. Replace the vent cap when you are finished. Use a screwdriver to remove the vent cover and vacuum up any remaining debris.
Place the vent cap in hot, soapy water and use a microfiber cloth to clean it. Dry the cover with an additional microfiber cloth or allow it to air dry before putting it back in the dryer.
If the build-up is too great for you to break up, hire a professional or try a dryer rack cleaning kit.
Before you proceed to clean the dryer vent or move the unit away from the wall, make sure to unplug the dryer's power cord. A clogged dryer vent can prolong the drying cycle, but it can also cause a much more serious problem: a fire in the dryer. Reducing the amount of dust and lint in and around the dryer can reduce how often you need to clean the dryer vent. Then, detach the vent hose from the dryer by loosening the brackets on the vent side of the dryer until they can easily rotate or move around the outside of the hose.Then, use a screwdriver to loosen and unscrew the clamps that keep the dryer's vent hose attached to the wall. Once you have moved the dryer, remove any tape or clamps that hold the vent hose to its back. This will help ensure that all residual dust leaves the system and that your dryer vent is clean. Repeat this process to reconnect your vent hose to its outside vent pipe and then return your dryer to its position against your wall. If you notice that clothes take longer to dry, your dryer has become hot to touch, or there is a burning scent in your laundry room, your dryer vent may be clogged and may need cleaning. Clogged dryer vents are a major cause of dryer fires, so it's important to know how to clean them.
Knowing how to clean a dryer vent can protect your home, save some money, and make your clothes look better. The dryer ventilation system should be cleaned at least once every two years, depending on how often it is used and what type of loads it is drying out. Ventilated dryers are often more beneficial in apartments that don't have access to dryer ventilation or in homes that have limited space. Learn how to clean your ventilation grille of a dryer at least once a year to keep your home safe and ensure that laundry day works at maximum efficiency.
