Dryer Vent Cleaning & Maintenance Tips

Here's a straightforward guide to keep your dryer vent clean and functioning efficiently, ensuring both safety and longevity for your home appliance.

When making your home maintenance checklist, don't forget to include the dryer vent. I’m not talking about the lint filter inside your dryer—clean that too—but rather the larger duct (vent, tube, however you want to refer to it) connecting your dryer to the outdoors.

Why is cleaning the dryer duct crucial?

Absolutely! Cleaning your dryer vent isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential. Did you know that the number one cause of home fires in Canada is lint buildup in the dryer vent? Regular upkeep for your clothes dryer is vital.

Safety is the main concern when it comes to maintaining your dryer vent, but clogged ducts also impact your machine’s performance and could reduce its lifespan. Nobody likes purchasing a new dryer before its time, right? Below are some easy tips to help you keep your dryer in good condition and extend its life.

Signs of lint accumulation

• Clothes take longer to dry or feel damp after a cycle
• Clothes are unusually hot at the end of a cycle
• The dryer's exterior feels extremely hot
• The laundry room feels humid
• A lingering burnt smell in the laundry room
• The outside exhaust vent flap doesn’t open frequently, indicating poor airflow

How to clean your dryer vent yourself: What you'll need

• Vacuum with a long hose attachment
• Dryer vent brush kit*
• Screwdrivers
• UL-listed metal foil duct tape

*What exactly is a Dryer Vent Brush Kit? (you were probably wondering)

Standard vacuum attachments aren’t designed to reach deep inside the dryer’s ductwork and dislodge lint effectively, but a brush kit can. It typically includes two parts:

• A long-bristle brush for cleaning the lint filter area
• A round-bristled brush with an extendable pole

Safety first

Remember those old flexible plastic or metal foil ducts that ran from the dryer to the outdoor vent? They resembled something from a homemade robot Halloween costume, right? Those are now banned because their ribbed interiors can easily trap lint. Consider upgrading to a smooth-walled option if possible. If you can't replace them, be extra vigilant about keeping them clean with regular vacuuming.

Time to clean: Follow these steps

1. Unplug your dryer (if it’s gas-powered, turn off the supply valve while working) and detach the duct from the machine
2. Vacuum the lint trap housing with the long flexible brush
3. Inspect the ductwork for any damage—replace if damaged, punctured, or kinked
4. Attach the round-duct brush to the flexible fiberglass pole and insert it into each duct section, sweeping it clean using a rotating, back-and-forth motion
5. Add more sections to the flexible rod until you reach the end of the rigid duct—repeat until no more lint appears
6. Check the vent cap at the exterior to ensure it’s clean and functional
7. Reconnect the ductwork once the job is done
8. Seal permanent duct sections with UL-listed metal foil duct tape—never use regular plastic duct tape, which degrades over time
9. Run the dryer to confirm proper ventilation

Note: Some brush kits can attach to a portable drill to spin the brush inside the duct. If you use this method, run the drill at low speed and slowly advance the brush through the duct.

Fire prevention tips

• Always clear your dryer filter after every load
• Clean your ducts twice a year
• Only run the dryer when you're home
• Install a safety alarm on the dryer—it can alert you to lint buildup

DIY or call in the pros?

See? Cleaning your own dryer vents is entirely feasible! However, if your dryer vent is located on your house’s roof, or if you're not comfortable taking on this handy task, Rümi is always ready to assist.

It’s crucial to regularly address this household chore. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, what matters most is that this task gets done. After all, it’s part of maintaining a safe and efficient home.

Concerned about repair costs?

A home protection plan can safeguard your wallet against unexpected breakdowns of your core home appliances or systems. Explore our Appliance Protection Plan for warranty coverage on your washer, dryer, dishwasher, refrigerator, and stove. The Home Systems Protection Plan covers plumbing, electrical, central heating, air conditioning, and hot water tank components of owned units. For comprehensive coverage, opt for the Whole Home Protection Plan.