How to Clean Your Dryer Duct

We all know how dirty dryer vents can get. They are easier than you think to clean.  Here are some tips!

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YUCK!

Do Dryer Ducts Need Cleaning?

Yes! Lint that gets trapped in the dryer duct can start a fire. It's a common cause of house fires.

How Often Should the Duct be Cleaned?

Dryer vents should be cleaned 2x a year. Get my Home Renovation Planner, which includes a convenient check list to help keep track of home maintenance!

Supplies for Cleaning a Dryer Vent

Shop Vac Vaccuflex Attachment  Dryer Vent Cleaning Brush  Drill

Remove your lint trap, remove any lint, and let it soak in hot soapy water.

Step 1: Remove Lint Trap

Unplug your machine and pull it away from the wall. Disconnect the vent from the dryer. 

Step 2: Disconnect the Dryer Vent 

Use your ShopVac with the Vaccuflex Attachment to clean out the lint trap area. You can also use the ShopVac to suck out any vsible lint in the dryer duct. Quick Tip:  If you don't have the Vaccuflex, you can make a hard sided cardboard tube work in a pinch.

Step 3: Cleaning the Vent with a Shop Vac

Green Bulb

Use a drill and a telescoping dryer brush to clean the duct out from the home's exterior. 

Step 4: Clean Duct from the Home Exterior

Danielle Pientka

Danielle is a DIY/craft/sewing blogger on DIYDanielle.com.  She loves to write about projects that she makes for her small farm, her children, and her home.