Tag - clogged dryer vent

Best Ways to Clean Dryer Vents

**NOTICE**
Due the danger and complexity of electronic equipment repair, the following technical tip is intended for professional reference only. Please refer to manufacturer’s recommendations as Encompass does not guarantee the accuracy, reliability or safety of this information. 

Vents are generally installed from a dryer to an external port on the side of the home. They’re an important part of any laundry setup, but are often ignored until they become clogged and cause issues such as:

  • Excessive lint on clothing
  • Minimal to no drying
  • Laundry is excessively hot
  • Humidity might rise during dry seasons

Cleaning a clogged vent is relatively easy; here are five steps to getting your unit in tip top shape:

1. Disconnect Dryer to Access Vent

First, ensure the dryer is disconnected from its power source. Look for any clips or screws that might hold down the housing from the unit and unclip/unscrew them to detach the vent from. Always make sure the power has been disconnected before attempting any appliance repair to avoid getting shocked.

2. Clean Exhaust 

Excessive lint most often builds within the exhaust that connects the dryer housing. Take a quick look at the filters and the overall unit for any dirt/sand or lint. Use a  wire brush to reach in with a twisting motion and then gently pull it out to capture lint and other possible debris.

3. Brush and Vacuum Duct and Pipe

This step requires the most effort due to its location going from the dryer unit inside the wall through to the outside. Place a bucket or small trash can underneath the end of the duct to catch debris. Then, use a stretchable or twisty brush and scrub the inside of the duct. Use a brush handle extension to reach into the pipe as far as possible. The pipe leads the duct all the way to the exterior for expelling air and lint, so it needs cleaning.

After scrubbing the duct and pipe interior walls, lint should come loose. Use a vacuum rod extension or flexible hose and run it down the length of the duct to suck up the debris.

4. Check Exterior Vent

All vents lead to an outer exhaust opening. To help ensure the brushing has not propelled the lint to the far end, check the exterior opening as well. Open the grate of the vent if it is grilled. Use a flexible brush to scrub as far as you can reach, and then use a vacuum to remove loosened lint. This will ensure that airflow is unobstructed and directed toward wet clothes instead.

5. Reconnect Everything 

To return the dryer to working condition, connect the duct and pipe to the exhaust section of the dryer unit, taking care to replace the outer grill. Next, reconnect the exhaust to the dryer and test it to check for proper airflow. If everything flows nicely without spitting out too much debris, it’s a home run.

 

Special thanks to Fred’s Appliance Academy for this helpful tip.