Cleaning the ventilation grille of a dryer is an important task that should not be neglected. It is recommended to clean the dryer vents every 6 to 12 months, but many of us forget to do it because we think it is too difficult and time consuming. However, if the dryer vent is clogged, it is important to clean it as soon as possible to improve the dryer's performance and reduce the risk of fire. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean the dryer vent with a vacuum.
First, unplug the dryer and take it off the wall. Then, plug in the workshop vacuum and use the long hose attachment, which can extend a significant distance to the dryer vent. Turn on the vacuum and start vacuuming up any loose lint around the vent opening. After that, slide the workshop vacuum hose through the dry exhaust vent to collect as much debris as possible. Next, you can use a drill with a brush attachment to clean the inside of the ventilation grille.
Place the brush in a drill and use the rotation of the drill to clean the inside of the ventilation grille. Depending on the length of the ventilation grille, you may need to stop drilling and place additional rods. If done correctly, the dryer should operate normally, venting hot air to the outside without problems. If applicable, you can also use the brush in the dryer's duct cleaning kit to thoroughly scrub the inside of the lint collector housing. This lint collector should be cleaned after each use to reduce the amount of debris that passes to the dryer vent. Once you've finished cleaning the dryer vent and surrounding indoor and outdoor areas, you can reconnect the dryer to the dryer vent.
A good option is the Deflecto dryer rack cleaning kit, which includes a long, flexible brush with a guide wire to penetrate deep into the duct. If you're not sure if you've cleaned every inch of the dryer vent, you can place the grille cleaning brush outside. If you're not sure if you need to clean your dryer's ventilation grille or if you can leave it for another month, there are some signs that might indicate that it needs to be cleaned. These include clothes not being completely dry when cycle ends or taking longer than usual to dry, as well as if your laundry room gets hot and humid during drying cycle. Cleaning your dryer's ventilation grille with a vacuum is an important task that should not be neglected. It is recommended to clean your dryer vents every 6-12 months in order to improve its performance and reduce fire risk.
By following these steps, you can easily clean your dryer vent with a vacuum and keep your home safe.