When to clean your dryer vent
Guidance varies on how often you need to clear out the ol’ dust pipes, but most recommendations fall between every three months and at least once a year. You’ll probably need to do it more if you do lots of laundry, and less if you live alone. But if your clothes are taking increasingly longer to dry, your machine gets surprisingly hot to the touch, or (red alert) you notice a burning smell when the dryer is on, you should clean the vent and ducts immediately. There are about 3,000 dryer fires each year and neglected cleanings are the leading cause, the US Fire Administration says.
What you’ll need
At minimum, you’ll need a vacuum with a hose or otherwise tubular attachment. Depending on the length of your dryer duct, your desired cleanliness level, and how everything is connected, you may also want a long-handled brush, a face covering, a power drill, and/or a screwdriver. You can buy dryer vent cleaning kits with super-long brushes, but you can also improvise with a balled-up rag strapped to a stick. If you DIY your own cleaner, you should be careful not to damage the ductwork and ensure your makeshift swab doesn’t get stuck, or fall apart and block the duct. And of course, if you’re unsure about what you’re doing at any point, you can call a professional dryer cleaning service.
How to clean your dryer vent
How to prevent lint buildup
Future cleanings will be easier and your dryer will work better if you make it hard for lint to build up in the first place.
Clean the lint trap. We mentioned this above, but it bears repeating: make sure this removable screen is clear of lint before and after every load. Dryer sheet residue can also get stuck in the mesh, so try putting some water on it. If it doesn’t flow through, clean it with a brush and warm soapy water, then dry it with a towel.Regularly clean around your dryer. Simply put, the less dust your machine can suck up from its environment, the better.Hang heavier items out to dry. The heavier your dryer load, the harder your machine works. Stick that bulky duvet cover outside if you can, and your machine will thank you.Consider replacing your duct. Because flexible ducts are more likely to clog than solid metal ones, they are also more fire-prone. They may also be against building code in your area. If you have one, check with your local building code office to see if it’s OK. Even if it is, straight ducts are easier to clean.
