Lint from dryers is released into the ductwork over time, where it can build up significantly and obstruct airflow. A thorough dryer vent cleaning decreases drying time, reduces mold growth risk, eliminates excessive lint fire hazards, and increases dryer lifespan.
There are so many benefits of DIY cleaning; the main one is that it is less expensive than hiring a professional. Learn how to go about the process of dryer vent cleaning Vaughan with the following simple steps.
1. Safety First, Turn Off The Power And Disconnect The Ductwork
Before any dryer vent cleaning Vaughan, safety comes first. Start by unplugging the dryer from the electrical outlet so it is powered down during the process. Turn off the circuit breaker connected to the dryer outlet if accessible.
Then, detach the flexible metal or plastic vent pipe from the back of the dryer. This disconnects it from the exhaust outlet so you can access the entire length of ductwork for cleaning.
Depending on the installation, you may need to unscrew a clamp or remove metal foil tape to disconnect the vent pipe sections.
2. Inspect Duct Routing And Condition From Dryer To Vent Hood
Before cleaning, inspect duct routing and condition using a bright flashlight or headlamp if available. Look down the full length of the duct to check for any major blockages, kinks, bends, rips, or disconnects. Use a flashlight to illuminate the duct and a small mirror to look around corners and angles.
Before exiting the house, make note of duct routing through the home, whether through crawl spaces, inside walls, above ceilings, or under floors. Understanding the complete duct layout helps ensure you can access and clean the entire length during the process.
3. Attach The Vacuum Hose And Vacuum Out All Loose Lint In Sections
With the ductwork disconnected and inspected, begin the cleaning process. Attach the narrow vacuum hose accessory to a powerful vacuum cleaner. Put the vacuum into blower mode if possible for higher air volume.
Starting at the dryer outlet end, insert the vacuum hose down into the duct and turn on high suction.
4. Scrub All Interior Duct Surfaces Using A Dryer Vent Brush
After vacuuming the full duct length, return to the dryer end and use a specialized plastic or metal vent lint brush to scrub interior duct surfaces. This helps scour off stubborn lint stuck tightly to the sides that standard vacuuming misses.
Work in the same gradual sections from the dryer outlet, moving methodically toward the outside vent. Scrubbing with the stiff bristles also sweeps out additional lint from small folds and crevices that the vacuum hose couldn’t reach. It also dislodges particles adhered with static cling or condensation buildup.
5. Vacuum Entire Duct Length Again After Brushing
Once you’ve scrubbed the full duct interior thoroughly with the vent brush, return to the dryer end with the vacuum hose. Make a full second pass from the dryer to the vent hood again to vacuum up all the lint and debris stirred up from scrubbing.
Maintaining the same direction from inside to outside for the second vacuum pass ensures you extract all loosened particles before moving to the vent hood. The goal is to remove all dislodged lint so particles are not pushed back into the duct.
6. Clean Lint Buildup From The External Vent Hood Outside
With the hidden duct interior cleaned, now focus on the outside vent hood where lint accumulates. Start by vacuuming all around the vent hood exterior to remove large particles. If present, use the vacuum crevice tool to vacuum out mesh screens or vents.
7. Disassemble And Rinse Vent Pipe Sections
For semi-rigid plastic or metal ribbed vent pipe, disassemble all connector sections after cleaning the interior duct. Take the vent pipe outdoors and use a garden hose on a gentle spray setting to rinse each area. This removes any remaining debris missed during internal duct vacuuming.
8. Tidy Up The Dryer Area And Seal Ductwork
With the system fully cleaned, vacuum any lint scattered around the dryer exterior or surrounding floor and walls during cleaning. Give the top and sides of the dryer a good wipe-down with a damp, lint-free cloth to remove dust.
