Tools

• Dryer vent cleaning brush or flexible vent brush
• Vacuum with hose attachment
• Screwdriver
• Work gloves
• Flashlight

Materials

• Replacement vent clamp or foil tape if the existing connection is loose or damaged

Safety

• Unplug the dryer before starting; if it is a gas dryer, turn off the gas supply first.
• Let the dryer cool down fully before working on the vent.
• Wear gloves to avoid cuts from metal duct edges.
• Do not use open flames, leaf blowers, or sharp improvised tools inside the vent.
• Do not crush or kink the duct when moving the dryer back into place.
• Stop and call a professional if the vent is damaged, inaccessible, routed through difficult areas, or the dryer still overheats after cleaning.

Steps

1. Step 1: Shut off power and access the dryer

   • Turn the dryer off and unplug it from the outlet.
   • If the dryer uses gas, shut off the gas supply valve before moving it.
   • Carefully pull the dryer away from the wall enough to reach the vent connection.
   • Place a flashlight behind the dryer so you can see the vent hose and connection points.

   Check: The dryer is unplugged and cannot start accidentally. · The gas supply is off if applicable. · You can clearly reach the vent connection without straining.

2. Step 2: Clean the lint trap and lint housing

   • Remove the lint screen and clear off all visible lint.
   • Use the vacuum hose to clean inside the lint trap housing.
   • If your vent brush fits the housing safely, loosen compacted lint gently and vacuum it out.

   Check: The lint screen is fully clean. · The lint housing has no obvious lint buildup near the opening.

3. Step 3: Disconnect and inspect the vent duct

   • Loosen the clamp or fastener holding the vent hose to the dryer.
   • Carefully detach the vent hose from the dryer outlet and from the wall connection if needed.
   • Inspect the duct for heavy lint, crushed sections, loose joints, or tears.
   • Replace damaged flexible ducting or connection hardware before reassembly.

   Check: The duct is fully separated where needed for cleaning. · You have identified any crushed, torn, or disconnected sections.

4. Step 4: Remove lint from the duct and wall vent

   • Vacuum loose lint from both ends of the duct.
   • Insert the vent brush into the duct and rotate it gently while moving it through the length of the vent.
   • Clean in short passes and pull lint out as it loosens rather than forcing the brush.
   • If reachable, clean the wall-side duct opening the same way.
   • Vacuum up any lint that falls out during cleaning.

   Check: Lint buildup has been removed from the duct interior. · The brush moves through the vent without hitting a blockage you cannot clear safely.

5. Step 5: Clean the exterior vent cap

   • Go outside and locate the dryer vent cap.
   • Open the flap or cover and remove lint, dust, or debris by hand or with the brush.
   • Make sure the flap moves freely and is not stuck closed.

   Check: The exterior vent opening is clear. · The vent flap opens and closes freely.

6. Step 6: Reconnect the vent securely

   • Reconnect the vent duct to the dryer and wall connection.
   • Tighten clamps securely or reseal approved joints if needed.
   • Position the duct so it is as straight and uncrushed as possible.
   • Carefully slide the dryer back into place without pinching the duct.

   Check: All vent connections are secure. · The duct is not kinked, crushed, or pulled loose after moving the dryer.

7. Step 7: Test airflow and dryer operation

   • Restore power and turn the gas back on if applicable.
   • Run the dryer on an air-only or short cycle.
   • Check outside to confirm strong airflow is coming from the vent cap.
   • Monitor for unusual heat, burning smells, rattling, or poor airflow.

   Check: Airflow at the exterior vent is strong and steady. · There are no unusual odors, overheating signs, or loose-duct noises.