How to Clean a Dryer Vent Remove and Clean the Lint Trap

The lint trap on most dryers is located at the top of the appliance, though it can also be found at the bottom of the door. If you aren't sure where the lint trap is on your specific dryer model, check the manufacturer's information in the manual or company website.

Once you find the lint trap, pull it out, remove any large pieces of lint, and use a shop vacuum to clean out the inside of the lint trap housing. Make sure to use a thin hose attachment to extend the vacuum into the bottom of the housing cavity.

If necessary, you can also use the brush from the dryer duct cleaning kit to thoroughly scrub the inside of the lint trap housing.

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The dryer vent has two ends you need to locate before you can start cleaning. The indoor vent end is typically located directly behind or above the dryer, while the outdoor vent end can usually be found on the exterior of the home, close to the location of the laundry room.

Unplug the dryer and turn off the gas supply valve, if applicable, then slide the dryer out about one or two feet from the wall, so you can access the indoor vent end. If the appliance is too heavy to move on your own, ask a partner, friend, or family member for help.

Disconnect the dryer from the dryer vent. Some dryer hoses simply slide into the vent connection bracket, while others are attached with screws.

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Plug in the shop vacuum and use the long hose attachment, which can extend a significant distance into the dryer vent. Turn on the vacuum and start by sucking up any loose lint around the vent opening. Next, slide the shop vac hose into the dry exhaust vent to collect as much debris as possible.

Sometimes, the dryer vent is too long for a vacuum hose to reach the other end. In these cases, you can purchase a dryer duct cleaning kit with a flexible vent cleaning brush and several extensions. Depending on the product, if you know how to use a drill, you may even be able to use the attachment brush for powered cleaning.

Start by feeding the vent cleaning brush into the dryer vent. Add brush extensions as necessary to reach the end of the vent. If applicable, attach the brush to a drill and use the drill's rotation to clean the inside of the vent. While the drill rotates the brush, slowly pull the brush out of the vent.

If the brush cannot be attached to a drill, you will need to move it back and forth while rotating it to brush out the inside of the dryer vent. When you pull the brush out of the vent, be prepared for the collected debris to come out with it.

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After cleaning the dryer vent from the inside, head outdoors. Check the vent opening to ensure the slats move freely. If they are seized, use a lubricating spray, like WD-40, to loosen the hinges.

Next, connect and turn on the vacuum cleaner to suck up any hair, dust, dirt, and lint from around the entrance of the vent. Slide a long, narrow hose attachment into the vent as far as possible to collect any loose dryer debris.

If you aren't sure that you cleaned every inch of the dryer vent, you can set up the vent cleaning brush outdoors. Feed the brush into the vent, adding brush extensions as necessary. Either rotate the brush manually or attach it to a drill to quickly and efficiency brush out the inside of the dryer vent. Keep in mind that some debris will be pulled out of the vent when you remove the brush.

Before heading back inside, use a microfiber cloth and warm, soapy water to clean the exterior vent cover. Also, sweep or suck up any loose debris that came out of the dryer vent. When you are done outside, you will also need to sweep or vacuum up hair, lint, and other debris that fell out of the dryer vent indoors.

Once you're finished cleaning the dryer vent and the surrounding interior and exterior areas you can reconnect the dryer to the dryer vent. Plug in the dryer and turn on the gas valve to the appliance, if applicable. Double check the connections, then slide the dryer back into position, making sure that the ductwork isn't crushed or otherwise deformed in the process.

Put the lint screen back into the dryer, then turn it on to test that it works correctly. If done correctly, the dryer should function normally, venting hot air outdoors without any issues.

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