Simple Cleaning Tips for Your Dryer Vent Fan

A Dryer Vent Fan will require regular cleaning, as it will become less efficient if waste builds up. A vent that is filled with waste may also present a higher risk of a fire; the dryer may heat up and may be a contributing factor to a fire in your home. The fire can be accelerated by the presence of the waste or lint, which is highly inflammable. Cleaning your dryer vent fan is simple and will also make your home safe.

Unplug the Dryer 

To protect yourself from an electric shock, it’s best if you unplug the dryer prior to cleaning the dryer vent fan.

If the dryer runs on gas, turn it off while you clean the vent and the fan.

Use a Protective Mask 

While cleaning the dryer vent fan, there may be dust and other particles will be released in the air, so in order to prevent inhaling these, you will have to get a protective mask. 

Clean the Dryer Vent Hose First 

Typically, professional vent hose cleaning companies will use a jet snake, which will work with air pressure, removing all waste accumulated in the vent hose.

You can use some wire to manually remove the debris, nests or other type of waste that may be accumulated in the vent. Most waste is typically found towards the end of the vent hose.

Remove all the waste and dump it in a garbage bag.

Use a Sponge

The dryer vent fan can be cleaned with a sponge or a moist piece of cloth. Don’t spray any water or cleaner directly on the dryer vent fan or the interior of the vent.

Allow the area to dry before you plug back the device or turn the gas back on.

Check the Dryer Vent 

After cleaning the vent and the fan, plug back the dryer or turn on the gas and check if the vent is obstructed or whether there are any unusual sounds. If you suspect there may be obstructions, you will need to clean the vent again.

Clean the Dryer Vent Fan Regularly

The dryer vent fan should be cleaned on a regular basis. The cleaning frequency will depend on several factors such as:

  • The efficiency of the dryer vent (the more efficient the vent, the lower the amount of waste that builds up)
  • The length of the dryer vent: the shorter the vent, the less frequent you will need to clean it, as this vent will blow better
  • The size of the vent full size vents blow better
  • The age of the dryer vent; older vents will be less efficient
  • Whether the vent has elbows (and the number of elbows and turns); the vent may also be straight, which will require less frequent cleaning

 

On average, you will need to clean the dryer vent every 2 years. However, if you have a vent that is linked to a full size dryer, this should be cleaned only once every 5 years or even less frequently.