When Should I Clean My Dryer Vent?

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

Most folks know that they must clean out the lint filter in their clothes dryer after each use. This will help to prevent a dryer fire. Use your clean hand or a soft cloth to remove all of the lint from the lint filter. To ensure that your dryer never causes a lint fire in your home in Miami Shores, FL, the dryer vent must also be cleaned out every six months.

How to Clean Out the Dryer Vent and Exhaust Hose

A little preventive maintenance will help to prevent a lint fire. The steps include:

Unplug the dryer - In the back of the dryer you will find the power cord. Make sure to unplug this from the outlet.

Detach the exhaust hose - First, the outer clamp will need to be loosened, either by squeezing the clamp or by using a screwdriver on the bolt. Once the clamp is loosened you can detach the hose from the dryer.

Clean out the exhaust hose - Remove all lint from the hose using a soft cleaning brush. You can also suck out the lint using the attachment on your vacuum.

Clean the wall vent - Using a vent cleaning kit that can be found at your local hardware store, clean out the wall vent. The kit will include a brush extension that can be carefully fed into the vent. Rotate the brush to remove the lint. It may take several tries before all of the lint has been removed.

Reattach the exhaust hose - Make sure the hose is securely attached to the dryer and tighten the clamp.

Plug the dryer back in - Make sure no hot air comes out of the vent. If it does, you need to check the clamp to ensure it is tightened properly.

Cleaning out your dryer’s exhaust hose and the vent will not only keep your dryer running longer and more efficiently, but it will also help to prevent a dangerous lint fire.