If your clothes are taking too long to dry, chances are your dryer vent duct is clogged with lint. The vent duct is the pipe that carries hot air and lint from your dryer to the outside of your home. When it gets blocked, your dryer has to work harder, energy bills go up, and the risk of a house fire increases. Keeping it clean is critical for both safety and performance.
At Deljo Heating & Cooling, we’ve been helping Chicago families keep their homes safe and efficient for more than 100 years. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to cleaning your dryer vent duct. After the step-by-step guide, we’ll provide you with expert advice on when it’s time to call in a professional.
How Often Should You Clean a Dryer Vent Duct?
Most households should clean the duct once a year. Larger families, heavy laundry users, or homes with pets may need to do it every 3-6 months. Always clean the lint trap after every load to reduce buildup inside the duct.
While these guidelines are a good rule of thumb, you may need to do it sooner if:
- Your clothes are taking longer than one cycle to dry
- You notice a burning or musty smell when the dryer runs
- Excess lint is building up around the duct opening or exterior vent cover
- Your laundry area feels unusually hot or humid
These are clear red flags that your duct is restricting airflow and could pose a safety risk.
Tools You’ll Need to Clean Your Dryer Vent Duct
You’ll need a few basic tools to clean your dryer vent. You should gather:
- A screwdriver
- A vacuum with a hose attachment
- A dryer vent duct cleaning brush or kit (flexible rods are best)
- Gloves and a dust mask (optional, but recommended)
Step-By-Step Guide for Dryer Vent Duct Cleaning
Step 1: Locate the Dryer Vent Duct
Behind your dryer, you’ll see a 4-inch round duct that connects the appliance to the wall. This duct runs through your home and exits outside, usually along a wall or roofline.
Step 2: Disconnect the Dryer
Unplug the power cord if you have an electric dryer. For gas dryers, turn off the gas valve first. Loosen the metal clamps or foil tape that secure the duct, then gently pull the dryer away from the wall to give yourself room to work.
Step 3: Clean the Lint Trap Area
Remove the lint trap and wash or vacuum it as you normally would. Next, use a vacuum hose to reach down into the opening around the lint trap. This won’t clear the entire duct, but it helps remove loose debris before you start the deep cleaning.
Step 4: Clean the Dryer Vent Duct
Feed a vent cleaning brush or flexible rod kit into the duct. Rotate it slowly to loosen lint and push it toward the outside vent. Pull it back out, clear the brush, and repeat until it comes out clean. A vacuum can help collect lint as you go.
Step 5: Clean the Exterior Vent
Go outside to the duct’s exit point. Remove the vent cover if possible, and brush or vacuum away any lint that has collected there. This is where blockages often occur, so don’t skip this step.
Step 6: Reconnect and Test
Reattach the duct with clamps or foil tape. Carefully slide the dryer back into place, plug it back in (or reopen the gas valve), and run it for 10–15 minutes. You should feel strong airflow coming out of the exterior vent.
When to Call the Professionals
DIY duct cleaning works for short, straight ducts. But if your dryer vent duct is long, winding, or difficult to access, it may not be possible to fully clean it without professional tools. That’s when calling an expert makes sense.
With over 100 years of experience, 5-star reviews, 24/7 emergency service, and instant online estimates, Deljo is Chicago’s trusted name in home comfort and safety. We’ll make sure your dryer vent duct is thoroughly cleaned and your home is protected.
Protect Your Chicago Home Today
Cleaning your dryer vent duct keeps your dryer running efficiently, lowers energy bills, and reduces the risk of fire. If you’re ready for peace of mind, let Deljo handle the job. Call us today or schedule your dryer vent duct cleaning online in minutes. With Deljo Heating & Cooling, your safety and comfort always come first.
