Dryer Vent Cleaning

Dryer vents should be cleaned at least once a year to prevent structural fires and gas leaks caused by excessive buildup. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 15,000 fires are sparked every year by clothes dryers. Lint and other debris can build up in your dryer vent, reducing air flow to the dryer, backing up dryer exhaust gases, creating a fire hazard. 

Note: If you use your dryer more than twice a week on a regular basis, it may be necessary to clean your dryer vent more often. 

Signs Your Dryer Vent is Clogged:

• Clothes are not completely dry at the end of the drying cycle
• Clothes feel unusually hot at the end of a drying cycle 
• Clothes have a musty smell when drying cycle is complete
• The outside flaps on the dryer vent don't open when the dryer is running 
• Debris can be seen in the dryer vent outside
• A load of clothes takes longer than 40 minutes to dry
• The laundry room seems excessively hot while the dryer is running
• Unusually large amounts of lint buildup in the lint trap 
• Lint and debris can be seen around the lint filter on the dryer 

If you are an avid 'Do-it-Yourselfer', here are the steps you can take to clean out your dryer vents:

Step 1:

Unplug the dryer from both gas and electric (if you have a gas dryer, do not forget to turn off the gas)

Step 2: Pull the dryer out 1 1/2" to 2 1/2" feet from the wall (pull it out as far as you can with the vent still attached to the dryer)

Step 3:

Loosen the 4" vent clamp on the back of the dryer using a screw driver

Step 4: Remove the vent from the dryer and wall

Step 5:

Remove the lint from the back of the dryer. This can be accomplished with a shop vac, regular vacuum, or even you hands. There are also kits you can buy like the Lint Eater Dryer Vent Cleaning System. 

Step 6:

Again, using a vacuum or a rod from your kit, clean the vent you removed from the wall (both ends will have the most lint buildup)

Step 7:

Go outside to the exterior dryer vent and remove the cover (check for caulk and screws before you try taking it off). 

Step 8: Reach in and clean out the lint, a shop vac or rod from a dryer cleaning kit, are the best options for this step. 

Step 10: Go back inside to the laundry room and slide the clamp back over the vent. Reattach the vent on both ends, tighten the clamp, and slide the dryer back into place

Step 11: Turn the gas back on (if needed) and plug the dryer back in

Step 12: Run the dryer on Air Fluff for 10 minutes to remove any loosened/left over debris 

Step 13: Re-check the outside vent then reinstall when finished

Once a month or every two months, perform the following maintenance tips to help prevent lint buildup

• Clean out the inside of the dryer around the lint trap and remove debris and excessive lint with a vacuum
• Remove the back of the dryer to vacuum out lint that's trapped behind the machine 

If your dryer vent system is not able to exhaust properly, it will overheat, threatening your family's safety, health, and even your home. If it's been over a year since your dryer vent has been cleaned, call Top Dog, our HVAC professionals specialize in cleaning duct work and dryer vents. We will clean the interior parts of your dryer efficiently, effectively, and safely. Our technicians have the tools and training to remove all of the lint in the dryer ducts and vents completely. Save money on your electric bill and keep your family safe, call Top Dog @ 541-221-5493.