Cleaning Out Your Dryer's Air Duct System On Your Own

Posted on: 8 September 2016

If you use a dryer in your home to remove moisture from your clothing when they get out of your washing machine, you will want to take steps in routinely maintaining this appliance so it does not suffer from unnecessary downtime. Cleaning out the air duct system regularly will help keep your dryer working at the maximum efficiency level while minimizing the risk of an unfortunate lint fire. Follow these steps to keep your dryer's air duct system free of debris.

Get Your Dryer Ready For Cleaning

Before you can clean out your dryer's exhaust tubing, the appliance should be removed from electrical or gas sources to avoid injury. Unplug your dryer or disconnect the gas line from the back of the unit so you remain safe during the clean-out process. Pull your dryer out from the wall so you have easy access to the back of the appliance. Detach the exhaust tubing from the back of your appliance by removing the clamps that hold it into place.

Removing Debris From The Appliance

The hole where the vent was attached will most likely be filled with debris that became trapped instead of making its way out of the vent tube. This can be removed with a vacuum cleaner attachment. Use a soft-bristled brush attachment to avoid damaging any of the interior components of your dryer. Dirt may have become encrusted along the interior of the hole as well. Wipe this off the machine using a piece of microfiber cloth dipped in a mild detergent. Make sure this is completely dry before you assemble the end of the air vent back into the slot.

Removing Debris From The Hose

Peer into the dryer's exhaust hose to determine the intensity of the cleaning you will need to do. If the hose is completely clogged, a plumber's snake can be used to remove obstructions from inside. Use a vacuum cleaner attachment to remove any larger pieces of debris. The ends of the interior of the hose can be cleaned with a household cleaning agent to remove grime. If the inside of the hose appears to be in poor condition due to excessive dirt accumulation, or if there are cracks or rips present within the hose, replace it with a new one instead of bothering to clean the apparatus.

Removing Debris From The Vent Cover

The vent portion of your dryer's air duct system is located on the exterior wall of your home. Remove the hardware from the wall and take the vent cover off so you can clean it in its entirety. Rinse the cover in a sink full of warm, soapy water. A toothbrush can be used to remove any grime from the slats. Allow the vent cover to dry completely before replacing it on the exterior of your home.

For more information, contact companies like Cape Cod Appliance Service.

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