Dryer vents are an essential part of your dryer. They allow moist air to escape and be vented to the outside. However, over time, they become clogged with lint and other debris from your clothes, hampering air flow and drying efficiency. Not cleaning your dryer vents regularly can also pose a fire hazard.

The best way to keep your dryer working optimally and safely is by cleaning your vents once or twice a year. Here’s how:

Disconnect the dryer and vacuum out the lint.

Unplug your dryer and disconnect the exhaust hose from the back of it. Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to suck out any visible lint inside the hose and drum.

Clean the ducts and vent.

You’ll need a special vent brush or coil to run through the ducts to remove built up lint. Once in the ducts, twist the brush to scrape off the lint. Vacuum out any loosened lint with your vacuum.

Inspect the vent cap and hood.

Check the exterior vent cover or hood for blockages. Make sure it is not blocked by leaves, debris, and nests. Clear any obstructions.

Check for tears and kinks. Inspect your exhaust hose and ducts for any tears, holes, or kinks that could hamper airflow. Repair or replace as needed.

Physically cleaning out accumulated lint from the vent, hose, ducts, and exhaust

Those are some of the main topics to consider related to properly cleaning and maintaining your dryer vent system. 

Reconnect everything. Reattach the exhaust hose to the vent and the vent to the outside. Plug your dryer back in and test it to make sure air is flowing properly and you’re getting good airflow and performance.

By following these basic steps, you can thoroughly clean out your dryer vents once or twice per year. This will keep them working safely and efficiently for many years to come!