How To Clean Your Dryer Vent

Cleaning your dryer is important for increasing efficiency and preventing fires. In addition to cleaning the lint filter after each use, you also need to clean the dryer vent, as it can become clogged with lint and other debris. The dryer vent is the dedicated metal ductwork that pushes the hot air outside your house. It is recommended to clean your dryer vent once a year. 

Steps to cleaning your dryer vent:

• Step 1 – Unplug your dryer. If you have a gas dryer, make sure to turn off your gas too.

• Step 2 – Pull the dryer away from the wall

• Step 3 – Disconnect the dryer vent. This may involve removing tape, clamps or screws.

• Step 4 – Clean the ductwork. A specialized dryer vent cleaning kit is ideal, but you can use any long-handled scrub brush to help dislodge any debris or clogs.

• Step 5 – Use a vacuum cleaner to suck up all the lint. Clean both the internal duct as well as the external duct on the outside of your house.

• Step 6 – Wrap it up. Reattach the ductwork, push dryer back against wall and plug back in. Remember to turn on the gas if you have a gas dryer.

If continue to experience an issue with your dryer, please give us a call at (866) 500-7064 or submit a maintenance request to your resident portal. We’re here to help!

Cleaning your dryer vent regularly is just one way to prevent dryer fires. Here are a few other tips:

• Clean lint filter after each use: Not once a month, not once a week. Always clean the lint filter after each use. This cannot be stressed enough.
• Remove flammables: A dryer can get very hot, so it’s important to keep the area around your dryer free from any hazardous, flammable objects, such as excess lint buildup. If you see lint buildup, discard it immediately.
• Be careful cleaning chemical stains: If your clothes get stained with any large amount of flammable chemicals, such as gas, cooking oil, or cleaning agents, hang dry if possible, or use the lowest dryer heat setting.