DO VACUUM ATTACHMENTS TO CLEAN DRYER VENTS WORK?
The dryer vent becoming clogged could be dangerous for your home. The dryer generates a lot of heat and could lead to a house fire if not cleaned regularly. A clogged dryer vent could also push gasses and even carbon monoxide into your home.
Additionally, when your dryer vent is clogged the moisture and hot air will have to do extra work to escape your home. Instead, that moisture will get trapped inside the vent and clothing dryer. This could mean your clothes will need multiple cycles to dry. Repeatedly running your dryer requires more energy and could turn into increased electric bills.
How To Clean A Dryer Vent With Vacuum Attachments
If you have a home vacuum cleaner or even a shop vacuum cleaner, you will likely be able to clean your dryer vent in no time. These only tend to work if your dryer vent system isn’t longer than a few feet. If your dryer vent is too long, a vacuum with vacuum attachments won’t work.
To clean your vents with a vacuum cleaner, you must:
Unplug Your Dryer
When cleaning your dryer vents, it’s important to make sure you’ve turned the dryer off. Find the power outlet and unplug your dryer.
Find The Vents & Duct
There will be a hose on the back of your dryer that connects to the wall. On the outside of your home will be a dryer exhaust vent. Find both of these.
Pull The Dryer From The Wall
Next, you should pull the dryer a foot or two back from the wall. This will give you space to work while cleaning the vent.
Remove The Dryer Hose
Using a screwdriver, take the vent clamp off the dryer hose. The dryer hose should easily pull off from the wall, exposing the dryer vent.
Remove The Lint From Dryer
Wearing gloves, remove lint from the hole in the back of your dryer.
Vacuum The Dryer Hole
Using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, vacuum the inside of the dryer hole to remove any lint and trappings.
Remove Lint From The Duct
Wearing gloves, reach into the duct and remove as much lint as you possibly can. Then, using your hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, vacuum as much remaining lint as possible. If you have a longer duct system, you may need to use an extended hose attachment on your vacuum to reach the end of the duct.
Reconnect the Dryer Duct
Using a screwdriver, connect the dryer duct and dryer valve to the back of the clothes dryer. Make sure it is secure. Then, reconnect the dryer duct to the wall.
Push The Dryer Back
Once the duct is reconnected, push the dryer back to the wall and turn the dryer back on. Then, turn it on to the air-dry setting and run the dryer for approximately 20 minutes.
Cleaning Your Dryer Vents is Important
Cleaning your dryer vents does more than protect your home from fires and carbon monoxide leaks, and saves you money on your electricity bill. Your dryer vents will help your dryer last longer because it won’t have the wear and tear from having to push hot air through a clogged dryer vent. A clean dryer vent is also a great way to prevent mold growth in the laundry room of your home.
