Cleaning a dryer vent is one of those necessary household chores that need to be done occasionally.
There are cleaning services that will come out and clean it for you but cleaning the dryer vent is an easy DIY fix that can save money.
Items Needed To Clean a Dryer Vent
- Lint-Eater Dryer Cleaner Kit
- Vacuum Cleaner, Ideally A Shop-Vac
- Cordless Drill
A few items are necessary to clean the vent; hopefully, you have the tools already or can borrow them. A dryer cleaner kit will need to be bought.
Steps to Cleaning a Dryer Vent
- Locate the dryer vent and the easiest way to access it. In some homes, it will be easier from the inside, while in others, it will be easier from the outside opening.
- Gather the tools together, including a cordless drill, shop vac, and dryer cleaner kit.
- The dryer vent cleaning kit will come with different attachments and lengths of flexible lines to feed into the dryer vent.
- The kit will also include a cap to attach a vacuum cleaner to pull out the debris as the attachments move through the vent.
- The vacuum is connected to the cover.
- Next, connect the drill to the flexible line.
- Next, turn the vacuum on and, using the drill move the attachments through the vent.
- As the attachments are pushed through, the vent debris is released and pulled out by the vacuum.
- As the line goes into the vent, more will need to be attached depending on how long your dryer vent is.
- Depending on how dirty the vent is, a lot of material will come out.
- After pushing the attachments into the vent, making sure it has been cleaned well, remove them and put the dryer vent cap back in place.
Summary
Cleaning a dryer vent is a necessary job to reduce the risk of a fire hazard. While not difficult, there are services that will clean it for you for a fee.
Services can cost roughly $100-$150 dollars depending on the company.
Removing the lint from a dryer vent is an easy do-it-yourself job but as always, call a professional if necessary.