Tips on Cleaning a Dryer Vent

Vent Hose

• Remove your dryer vent hose from the back of the dryer and the exterior exhaust connection to clean it thoroughly. You can use a vacuum cleaner to clean around the ends of the hose where the lint build up tends to be more significant. To clean the interior of the hose you can purchase a dryer vent cleaning brush, or put long attachment on the end of your vacuum hose. A dryer vent cleaning brush has a handle with a long and flexible middle part and a brush attached to the end. Be sure to clean your vent hose completely before reattaching it.

Vent Exhaust

• The vent exhaust is the duct you connect the vent hose to that allows the hot air to vent outside. The length of the vent exhaust duct varies depending on how far your dryer is from an outside wall. If your dryer is next to an outside wall, then you can use your dryer vent cleaning brush to clean the inside of the duct. Be sure to clean the vent on the outside of your house as well. Be careful as there may be an insect nest or a bird's nest built in your exterior vent. Approach the vent with caution, and wear gloves. If your vent exhaust duct is longer than the vent brush, then consider having the vent cleaned by a professional.

Back of the Dryer

• According to Repair Clinic, lint can build up around the exhaust port inside the back of your dryer. Remove the back panel of your dryer, and use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to remove the interior lint. If you are not confident in removing the back panel of your dryer, then hire a professional to do the interior cleaning of your dryer for you.