You should include Tumble dryer vent cleaning in your spring cleaning checklist. It’s often overlooked but Tumble dryer vent cleaning is crucial for several reasons. When lint buildup is too severe, it can prolong drying times and cause fire hazards. Tumble dryer lint buildup is one of many leading causes of house fires. Follow these steps to remove Tumble dryer lint buildup and clean out your Tumble dryer vent.
How to clean Tumble dryer vents
#1. First, clean out the lint trap
This should be done every time you use the Tumble dryer. However, if this has not been done before, it is a good idea too. You can pull it out by hand and then you can use a vacuum with an attachment for a hose to get rid of any remaining debris. You should wash your lint trap regularly with soapy water and a soft brush. This will help reduce any buildup in the trap.
#2. Clean the lint trap vent
You can catch small fibres in the vent from your lint trap. You’ll need a narrow appliance brush to remove the lint. This can be tricky, but it is possible. Once you feel you have removed everything with the brush, you can attach a vacuum hose attachment and remove any remaining lint. It might take some patience to get rid of lint if your vents haven’t been cleaned in a while.
#3. Clean the Tumble dryer vent
Lint may build up in the Tumble dryer vent duct at the back. You’ll need the Tumble dryer to be disconnected from its power source (home electric panel). The Tumble dryer will then need to be moved to an area where the vent duct can be reached. Use the large brush to clean the vent duct.
For flexible Tumble dryer ducts made of plastic foil or foil, you can gently spin the brush with the brush. If you do not, the vent could be damaged. You can attach a drill end to a Tumble dryer duct if it is metal. This will speed up the cleaning process.
This cleaning should be repeated every six months to maintain Tumble dryer performance and safety.
Happy Spring Cleaning!
