8 Easy Methods For Cleaning A Dryer Vent In A Pinch

If you've noticed that your clothes are taking longer to dry than usual, that there's a strong musty or burning smell around your laundry area, or your dryer is burning hot to the touch, it might be time to clean out your dryer vent. Not only do clogged dryer vents lead to poor drying quality, but they can also become a fire hazard if not taken care of properly. Cleaning out your dryer vent should be a regular item on your yearly chore list, and it's recommended to clean out this area earlier if you start to notice the above symptoms. This task is totally doable on your own using basic tools from around your home, like a toilet brush, a Shop-Vac, or a measuring tape and a rag. However, if you have an extra-long dryer vent or a severe clog, you may want to call a professional to ensure the task is completed safely and properly. 

Before attempting to clean out your dryer vent, no matter what type of tool you end up using, always make sure to unplug your dryer, move it away from the wall by at least a foot, and detach the vent using a screwdriver to remove the vent clamp. Determine which side of your dryer vent, either inside or outside your home, is higher, as it's recommended to start removing the lint from the higher end. Once you've finished removing the built-up lint, make sure you reinstall the vent cover and the vent securely before pushing the dryer back up against the wall and plugging it back in. You can test-run it on an empty cycle for about 20 minutes to ensure everything is working properly. Don't forget to make sure that the exterior part of your dryer vent is clean, which you can accomplish with similar items like a leaf blower or even a microfiber cloth. 

If you're going to clean your dryer vents DIY-style, the best tool to use is your trusty vacuum. This will be the easiest way to get rid of any clogged-up lint, both inside and around the entrance to the vent. If you have a thin hose attachment, insert that onto your vacuum for easier clean-up. You can first use your hands to dislodge any large lint pieces, and then use the hose for the rest. You can even clean the outside dryer vent with a vacuum, removing any loose or stuck lint from inside.

If you've ever wondered if you can clean out your dryer vent with a leaf blower, the answer is yes. While not quite as efficient as a vacuum cleaner, a leaf blower can be used to blow dust and lint from the inside dryer vent to the outside. This method can be used in a pinch if you don't have any other method around, but it may not fully get rid of all of the dust. If you do use one, it's recommended to wrap a microfiber cloth around the other vent side to catch the flying dust before it makes a mess outside your home.

Another popular DIY method you may have seen online to clean out your dryer vent is to use a drill brush. Typically available to purchase in kits, drill brushes consist of an extended brush that you can attach to your drill. The brush usually has multiple sides and is capable of removing hidden and stubborn pieces of lint. However, if your dryer vent is especially long, you may need an extender tool or rod to reach all the way into the vent. 

If you own a Shop-Vac, you already have one of the best dryer vent tools in your possession. While similar to a traditional vacuum, a Shop-Vac is a heavy-duty machine that can withstand more difficult materials than your standard vacuum. This tool can come in handy when it comes to cleaning out your dryer vent, DIY-style. You can use your Shop-Vac to clean in and around the entrance to the dryer vent, as well as the inside. It's recommended to do the same with the other vent entrance as well.

If you don't have a vacuum, Shop-Vac, or leaf blower on hand, don't worry — there are still a few ways you can DIY your way to a cleaner dryer vent. One way is to grab your measuring tape and some rags. You can extend your measuring tape and insert it into the vent until it ideally comes out the other side. Tie two to four rags together with a string and secure them to the end of the tape before pulling the tape back through to clean out the duct of dust and lint. 

If you don't own a dryer vent brush kit, don't worry. You don't need to go out and buy a new product; you probably have the perfect tool sitting in your bathroom. A toilet brush is an easy substitute for a brush kit. Once your dryer is unplugged and pushed away from the wall, you can insert your toilet brush into the vent, twisting it to catch the clogged lint and debris. You can repeat this at the exterior entrance to your dryer vent as well. If you're dealing with a tough clog, you may need to use an extender. 

While you've probably used a plumbing snake to unclog your sink, you can actually use a similar product to clean out your dryer vent. This tool is particularly useful if your vent has a stubborn clog in the middle that is proving difficult to remove with just a vacuum or small brush. You can even attach it to a drill to insert into the vent, turning on the drill so the snake twirls and catches all of the stuck lint or debris.

After removing the majority of the lint stuck inside your dryer vent, using DIY methods like a vacuum or a toilet brush, you will need to clean the entrances to your vents, both the inside and outside. You don't need a specialized cleaner for this process; in fact, you only need a bit of dish soap and water. This basic combo will remove any leftover lint or residue. If your vent covers are particularly dirty, you can soak them in soap and water, rinse, and dry them before putting them back into place.