How To Clean Your Dryer Vent

Clean your dryer vent regularly and upgrade to a metal duct pipe to reduce fire risk and lower your energy bill. Find out how to do it, which tools make it simple, and the materials you may be using that can actually contribute to lint build-up.

Step 1:  Unplug the dryer

If it's a gas dryer, turn supply line to "off" position.

Step 2:  Disconnect dryer duct

Pull dryer away from the wall and disconnect the duct.

Step 3:  Clean dryer vent

Loosen debris with a flexible dryer vent cleaning brush and vacuum out excess lint.

Step 4:  Clean outside vent

Loosen debris with a flexible dryer vent cleaning brush and vacuum out excess lint.

Step 5:  Check duct

Check your duct work for damage. If it's punctured, dented, or kinked, replace it. Flexible vinyl or aluminum ducts actually contribute to lint build-up. Rigid metal pipes are best.