How to Clean a Clothes Dryer Vent

Co-authored by Allen Lee and Madeleine Criglow

Last Updated: January 11, 2024 Approved

If you haven't cleaned your dryer vent in the past couple of months, it probably needs a good cleaning. A clogged dryer vent can affect your dryer's efficiency, and it can even be a fire hazard. Thankfully, cleaning a dryer vent is a fairly easy task to do by yourself at home! Read on for a guide on how to clean a clothes dryer vent in addition to a complete list of safety tips.

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Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

How to Clean a Clothes Dryer Vent

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1
Unplug your dryer. Always unplug your dryer before cleaning the dryer vent. First, find where your dryer's cord is plugged into the wall (usually in the back of the dryer). Then, disconnect the plug.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Allen Lee
Home Improvement Specialist

Expert Interview. 10 July 2020.}
- If you have a gas dryer, turn the gas supply valve off. Avoid disconnecting the dryer from the supply valve, though. If you're concerned about cleaning your gas-powered dryer, consider contacting a professional for help.^{[2]
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- Cleaning the dryer vent while the dryer is still plugged in is very dangerous. Remember to always unplug the dryer before cleaning!
2
Move your dryer. Since the dryer vent is behind the dryer, you'll need to pull the dryer away from the wall to clean the vent.^{[3]
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Research source} Pull the dryer about 1 foot (0.30 m) away from the wall.
- If your dryer is very heavy, find someone to help you.
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3
Remove the dryer vent duct. Locate the tube (the duct) on the back of your dryer attached to the wall with clamps or screws. If it's clamped in place, simply remove the duct from the wall. If it's attached with screws, use a screwdriver to remove the screws and disconnect the duct from the wall.^{[4]
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- The type of screwdriver you need varies. Examine the shape of the screws to see if you need a Phillips or flathead screwdriver.
- Keep the screws together somewhere safe, as you will need them later to reattach the tube.
4
Vacuum out the vent. Take your vacuum cleaner's nozzle attachment or use a shop vacuum.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Allen Lee
Home Improvement Specialist

Expert Interview. 10 July 2020.} Vacuum out the vent that runs into the wall, sticking the nozzle into the vent as far as it will reach. Then, vacuum out the tube running into the dryer as far as the nozzle reaches.
- If you want to check to see how much lint is inside, turn your phone flashlight on, open the camera, and stick it inside the tube for a better view.^{[6]
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  Expert Source
  
  Allen Lee
  Home Improvement Specialist
  
  Expert Interview. 10 July 2020.}
- If you don't have a vacuum cleaner, use a flexible dust brush with an extendable handle. You can also use compressed air to blow lint out of the dryer vent.
- You can also purchase a dryer vent cleaning kit from your local hardware store.^{[7]
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  Expert Source
  
  Allen Lee
  Home Improvement Specialist
  
  Expert Interview. 10 July 2020.}
Reattach the nozzle running from the dryer in the wall by placing the screws back in place. Then, push the dryer back into place and plug it back into the wall. Your dryer should be ready to use now and, as the vent is clean, you should see a noticeable improvement in drying times.^{[8]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Maintaining a Clean Dryer Vent

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1
Empty the lint trap each time you do laundry. Checking and emptying the lint trap will help your dryer run more efficiently, and it will make it less of a fire hazard. First, find the lint trap, which should be located within the door opening of the dryer. To remove it, grab hold of the top of the lint trap and pull it out of the slot. Then, vacuum up any lint stuck to the trap.
- Some lint traps are located on the top right of the dryer. To remove these, grab hold of the top of the trap and pull it out.
- Before putting the lint trap back in its place, vacuum up any lint stuck in the lint trap slot.
- If the lint trap is very dirty, you can wash it with warm water and soap. Simply run the trap under warm water and scrub it with soap. Let it dry before placing it back in the slot.
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Check for signs that your vent needs cleaning. To avoid a potential fire hazard, it's important to inspect your dryer vent regularly. To see if your dryer vent needs to be cleaned, check for these signs:^{[9]
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- Clothes not drying during a dry cycle
- Very hot clothing after a dry cycle
- Excessive heat from the dryer
- Larger amounts of lint in the lint tray than usual
- Excessive odor from dryer sheets
Each time you empty the lint trap, sweep up any lint or debris found around the floor of your dryer. Your dryer vent sucks up dirt and debris from the floor, which can make it get dirty faster. Regular sweeping will help you maintain a clean dryer vent.^{[10]
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Dryer sheets can make your clothes smell fresher, but can also contribute to built up lint in a dryer vent. In general, opt against dryer sheets when possible. Fabric softener should also only be used in moderation, as debris from fabric softening can clog a dryer's vent.^{[11]
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