How To Clean A Dryer Duct

How To Clean A Dryer Duct – Steps

Cleaning a dryer duct on the inside is best done with the addition of a vacuum so you can control the lint dust.

Many dryer duct kits come with a special cap that allows you to attach a vacuum hose as well as run the flexible rod through the cap.

STEPS:

1. Determine if it is easier to clean the dryer duct from the inside of the house or from the outside. If the duct is on a second or third story you may want to clean it from the inside.

These caps fit into the dryer duct and prevent the lint dust from entering the room.

TIP: Unplug the dryer from the power source and pull it out from the wall and the dryer duct connection. Use care with gas connections.

2. For best control attache one flexible rod to the drill and set your drill to spin clockwise. Also set the drill clutch for a middle setting. Slowly turn on the drill and move the brush in all the way and out allowing lint to come back towards your direction and into the vacuum or if not using a vacuum out of the pipe.

3. Continue to add flexible rods until you have reached the end of your pipe.

TIP: Use electrical tape to “tape over” the tread-ed rod connections to prevent any accidental detachment of the rods inside the dryer duct pipe.

4. If you are cleaning the dryer duck from the outside remove

the dryer hood if possible. If not possible use a paper clip to hold open the flapper.

TIP: When done cleaning the entire dryer duct turn on the dryer and allow all of the loose lint debris to exit the pipe. Run the brush through the pipe once or twice with the dryer running. Wear a dust mask!

5. After cleaning the duct work re install the dryer to the duct or the dryer hood to the pipe. Replace and repair any damaged or worn parts.

Cleaning Lint From Inside The Dryer

1. Unplug the power and remove the front panel of the dryer

2. Vacuum all loose and visible lint from the machine.

3. Locate the hood where the “squirrel cage” blower fan is and remove it. This part usually has 2 or 3 screws holding it on.TIP: Sometimes you need to remove the lint screen prior to disassembling this part.

4. Run your brush and vacuum into the lint screen area.

5. Vacuum the squirrel cage blower fan. [photo above]

Clearing Dryer Duct Obstructions

Reconnect everything and test dryer. It is normal to see visible lint flying out of the exterior hood after doing this procedure.

Sometimes a dryer duct develops an obstruction whether it is from a rodent or a bird nesting inside the pipe. Most dryer duct kits come with an obstruction attachment that replaces the brush.

The Blockage Removal Tool can be used to dislodge and clear animal and bird nests in the exhaust vent prior to rotary brushing and also clears debris from clogged gutter downspouts – without stepping foot on a ladder.

RELATED POST:

Dryer and Bathroom Duct Cleaning

How to Clean A Dryer Duct and Vent

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Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter and ToolBoxBuzz As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

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