Clogged Dryer Vent - What Now?

So you have a clogged dryer vent and you’re not quite sure what to do with it?

It’s important to get that vent unclogged as quickly as possible. Clogged vents cause inefficient dryer operation, longer drying times, and extreme fire hazards, so cleaning those dryer vents should be a top priority.

There are several choices for cleaning out a clogged dryer vent. The first is to use a vacuum or shop vac to suck the lint from the vents.

To get the lint from the duct, remove the hose from the back of the dryer and vacuum through it. You can use a dryer hose vacuum extension to really get through the ducts. Sometimes a leaf blower blowing through the ducts loosens and removes more lint.

Sometimes a clog defies simple vacuuming, and more extreme measures are needed. In these cases, a stiff, 4” duct cleaning brush as well as a lint filter brush for cleaning out the dryer will work wonders.

There are duct cleaning kits that attach to a cordless drill that effectively clean lint from dryer vents, and many of these kits have special attachments that help cut into clogs.

Whatever method works for you, remember to prevent such clogs in the future by cleaning the lint vents and ducts in your dryer frequently.