Home warranty companies typically won't cover any damage caused by lint buildup, so it's important to clean your dryer vent regularly. This guide will show you how to clean your dryer vent without a drill, using only items you already have in your home.
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When to Clean Your Dryer Vent
You should clean your dryer vent every six months to prevent lint buildup. You can tell that it's time to clean your dryer vent if your clothes are taking longer to dry than usual or if you see lint on the floor around your dryer.
Letting lint build up can lead to electrical hazards and house fires, so mark a reminder on your calendar, so you don’t forget. Also, keep in mind the average dryer lasts around 13 years, so it will inevitably need to be replaced at some point.
» Check out the life span of 10 common home appliances to stay on top of maintenance and repairs.
What You Will Need In Your DIY Toolkit
Before you begin cleaning your dryer vent without a drill, make sure you have these items on hand:
- Flashlight
- All-purpose cleaner like 409
- Scrub brush
- Vacuum with a hose attachment
- Twisted wire (optional)
How to Remove Your Dryer Vent Without a Drill
First things first, you're going to want to disconnect your dryer from its power source. Just to be safe, pull the plug from the outlet rather than flipping the switch on the wall.
Next, open your dryer door and look inside with a flashlight. You should see the exhaust pipe that goes from your dryer into the wall. If you don't see it, don't worry! Just feel around the back of your dryer until you find it. Once you've located it, follow it until you get to where it enters the wall.
Now, it's time to remove the exhaust pipe from the wall. To do this, simply twist it counterclockwise until it comes loose. It might be a little tighter than you expect, so use more force if necessary. Once you've removed it from the wall, put it aside. We'll come back to it later.
Take a look at the hole in the wall that was left behind when you removed the exhaust pipe. If any lint or debris is stuck there, go ahead and remove it now. Once that's taken care of, congrats! You've just removed your dryer vent without a drill.
» Want to increase the life span of your appliances? Here's how.
How to Clean Your Dryer Vent
Once you’ve successfully removed your dryer vent without a drill, you can clean it using the following steps.
1. Vacuum Out All Lint and Debris
The first step in cleaning your dryer vent is removing any lint or debris that may have accumulated inside it. To do this, simply take your vacuum with the hose attachment and insert it into one end of the vent. Slowly move the vacuum back and forth until you've sucked up all the lint and debris.
This may take a few passes, depending on how bad the buildup is. And in some cases, you may need to use a twisted wire to break it up.
2. Scrub Everything Down With an All-Purpose Cleaner
Once you've vacuumed out all the lint and debris, it's time to clean everything with an all-purpose cleaner like 409. Spray down both ends of the vent and any exposed parts of your dryer—top, front, and back.
Then, wipe everything down with a scrub brush or sponge until clean. Wipe away any excess cleaner with a damp cloth and allow everything to air dry completely before moving on to step 3.
3. Reattach your Exhaust Pipe
The final step is reattaching your exhaust pipe so that your dryer is once again properly attached to the wall cavity. To do this, simply line up one end of the pipe with its corresponding opening—either on your dry line or in the hole in your wall. Then, twist clockwise until snugly in place.
And that's it! You've now cleaned your dryer vent without using a drill. Wasn't that easy?
» Check out these home maintenance skills every homeowner should master.
Take Away
Cleaning your dryer vent is important for several reasons. It keeps your home safe, extends the lifespan of your dryer, saves money on your energy bill, and helps you stay compliant with your home warranty. If you don’t have a home warranty, investing in one might be worthwhile for those inevitable times when your dryer breaks or needs repairs.
The best home warranties for homeowners are worth the money because they can help you fix problems quickly and easily. They can also help pay for themselves over time by helping you save money on future repairs.
» Looking for a new home warranty? Try Choice Home Warranty or Liberty Home Guard.
