Dryer Vent Cleaning & Maintenance Tips

Keeping your home's dryer vent clean is crucial for both efficiency and safety. Most people remember to clean the lint filter inside their dryer, but it's equally important to address the larger duct that connects the dryer to the outdoor vent.

Did you know that lint buildup in the dryer vent is one of the leading causes of home fires in Canada? Regular maintenance can prevent such hazards and also improve the longevity of your dryer. Neglecting this task could lead to costly repairs or replacements down the line.

Why Cleaning Your Dryer Vent Matters

Cleaning your dryer vent isn't just about preventing fires—it's also about ensuring your dryer runs efficiently. A clogged vent can cause your dryer to overheat, reduce its performance, and even shorten its lifespan. Nobody wants to buy a new dryer before they need to, so let's dive into how you can keep yours running smoothly.

Signs You Need to Clean Your Dryer Vent

• Clothes take longer to dry or feel damp after a cycle
• Your dryer feels unusually hot to the touch
• The laundry room feels excessively humid
• You notice a lingering burnt odor in the laundry area
• The outside vent flap doesn’t move freely, indicating restricted airflow

Tools You'll Need

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

What’s a Dryer Vent Brush Kit?

Regular vacuum attachments won't reach deep enough inside the ductwork to remove lint effectively. That’s where a brush kit comes in. These kits typically include:

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

Stay Safe While Cleaning

If your dryer vent uses flexible plastic or metal foil ductwork, consider upgrading to a smooth-walled option. Older designs with ribbed interiors tend to trap lint easily. If you can't replace them, make sure to clean them thoroughly to avoid any risks.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Dryer Vent

1. Turn off and unplug your dryer. If it's gas-powered, shut off the gas supply valve before starting.
2. Disconnect the duct from the dryer and vacuum out the lint trap housing using the long flexible brush.
3. Inspect the ductwork for any damage. Replace sections that are damaged, punctured, or kinked.
4. Attach the round-duct brush to a flexible fiberglass pole and insert it into each section of the duct. Clean by sweeping in a rotating, back-and-forth motion.
5. Extend the pole further as needed to reach the end of the rigid duct. Repeat until no more lint is removed.
6. Ensure the vent cap at the exterior is clean and functioning correctly.
7. Reconnect the ductwork once finished.
8. Secure permanent duct sections with UL-listed metal foil duct tape. Avoid using regular plastic duct tape, which can degrade over time.
9. Run the dryer to verify proper ventilation.

Tip: Some brush kits can connect to a portable drill to spin the brush inside the duct. If using this method, run the drill at low speed and advance the brush gradually.

Fire Prevention Tips

• Always clear your dryer filter after every load.
• Clean your ducts at least twice a year.
• Only run the dryer when you're home.
• Install a safety alarm on your dryer to alert you when lint accumulates.

DIY or Hire a Professional?

While cleaning your dryer vent yourself is certainly doable, there are scenarios where hiring a professional makes sense—especially if the vent is located on your roof or if you're simply not comfortable handling the task. At Rümi, we’re always here to help!

This is one household chore that shouldn’t be overlooked. Whether you tackle it yourself or bring in an expert, the key is to get it done regularly.

Worried About Repair Costs?

Protect your wallet by investing in a home protection plan. Our Appliance Protection Plan covers your washer, dryer, dishwasher, refrigerator, and stove. Meanwhile, the Home Systems Protection Plan safeguards your plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and water heater systems. For comprehensive coverage, opt for the Whole Home Protection Plan.