5 Ways To Clean Your Dryer Vent

Cleaning a dryer vent ensures that the clothes dryer works effectively and efficiently. But there is another reason to keep the dryer vent clean – safety. Do you know that one of the main causes for house fires are clothes dryer and washing machines? To avoid such accidents, it is important to have the dryer vents clean. There are many ways of cleaning dryer vents. The best thing would be to call dryer vent cleaning services at least once in a year but if you want to do it yourself, then here are 5 ways to effectively clean the dryer vent.

Whatever method you follow, make sure to

  • Unplug the dryer
  • Turn the gas off if it is a gas dryer
  • Be in a comfortable position while cleaning
  • Check for any damage in the vent

Using Broom, Towel and Bowl Brush (Toilet Brush)

This method works best if you are running on budget and can’t spend much time or money on dryer vent cleaning. A broom, Towel and Toilet Bowl Brush are common things found at home. After you unplug the dryer, move it away and then detach the vent. Now take the toilet brush and insert it into the vent and move it in such a way that the excess lint is removed. Now take the brush out. Now attach the towel to the ends of the broomstick using a tape or string. Insert it into the vent and move it so that you are sure that the vent is clean. It is important to check the outside dryer vent for any obstructions. Take off the outside dryer vent, use the same towel and broomstick to clean the vent gently. Clean the vent cover and attach it again. After reattaching the dryer and vent, switch it on and check if there are any lint or obstructions left uncleaned. If it is clear, then the dryer duct cleaning is done.

clogged dryer vent

Using Vacuum

Vacuum is also considered as one of the best dryer vent cleaners. After switching off and detaching the dryer from the vent, insert the vacuum head into the vent and suck the lint out. There is a wand attachment available for the vacuum and it acts effectively in removing the lint. Do the same when you are cleaning dryer vent from outside. Before finishing, check whether any lint is left inside, using a torch. As usual, clean the outside cover and then close it. Check for any blocks by turning the dryer on.

Rod and Brush

As the vent is a flexible one, we need to attach a chimney brush to a rod that is flexible and then clean the inside of the vent. The chimney brush effectively scraps the lint away. But take care not to poke too much as it is a flexible vent. Repeat the same for the outside vent. You can use more rods depending on the length of the vent. Check for any blocks by turning the dryer on.

dryer vent cleaners

Vacuum, Rod, and Brush Together

This method is very effective provided the vacuum you are using is high powered. You also need a cordless drill in this method. The first step is to attach a 3-way elbow bend pipe to the vent. Now, attach the hose of the vacuum to one of the holes of the pipe. In another hole, attach the flexible rod (attached to the chimney brush). After attaching the drill to flex-bend, turn the vacuum and drill on, and clean dryer duct.

Buy a Kit

If you are still not sure about following these methods for cleaning your clogged dryer vent, buy a vent cleaning kit available online and try it out.

How To Keep Your Air Ducts Clean?  10 Tips To Keep Them Clean

air duct cleaning

Keeping your home clean and dust free has many benefits. One of the foremost things that you can observe is that the quality of indoor air becomes good. The air is more breathable. But, what about the cleaning of the air conditioning or heating systems in the house? Should they be cleaned at all? Is it necessary to do air duct cleaning? After all, they do carry air and there are many chances of dust particles entering from outdoors to the indoors through the air ducts and vents.

When To Clean?

According to the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), air ducts should be periodically cleaned, when they show the following signs:

  • The presence of substantial and visible mold growth inside the components and ducts of the cooling system.
  • There is an excessive amount of dust and debris in the air ducts.
  • Dust and debris are released into the homes through the supply ducts.

Apart from these reasons, cleaning the air ducts also helps in efficient functioning of the heating and air conditioning system. It also has benefits of saving energy bills as well as repair costs.

Air Ducts Clean

Helpful Tips

Here are some tips to keep your air ducts clean. Always take the help of professional and reliable air duct cleaning services. The entire system should be cleaned and not just the peripheral parts. Duct cleaning services, which do just the peripheral parts, should not be considered, as they can do a shoddy job.

Keep Vital Parts Clean

All the vital parts of the heating and air conditioning system should be kept clean. These various parts include fans, cooling coils, filters and heat exchangers, vents, ducts etc.

Filters Are Essential

  • Good filters that are highly efficient must be used for the heating and cooling system. This prevents dust and debris to get accumulated inside. Periodic cleaning of filters is a good idea.
  • Filters must also be changed at regular intervals if they are not working efficiently.
  • There should not be any missing filters. These allow the air to pass without going through the filters, thereby bringing along with them dust particles.

air duct cleaning services

Protect From Dust

  • The supply and return registers should be sealed, when any renovation work is going on in your home. Renovation and construction process brings with a good amount of dust that can enter into the ducts. Once the renovation work is complete, clean up the entire heating and cooling system and before you start using it.
  • Using a HEPA cleaner, remove the dust in your home. Regular vacuuming also ensures that there is not much dust that enters the air ducts.

Moisture Free

  • Air ducts should not have moisture in them. Otherwise, they will lead to the growth of molds, mold spores etc., which can cause allergic reactions in many people. Hence ensure that the air ducts are moisture free.
  • Any water leak/damage should be repaired immediately.
  • There should be proper insulation of the heating and cooling system, to prevent water condensation.

Your home air duct cleaning and vent cleaning should be undertaken by professionally certified air duct cleaning companies. Ensure that they are reliable, trustworthy and have good credentials.