Time to Clean Your Dryer Ducts – Prevent Fires #FreshandClean

by Brittany aka Pretty Handy Girl

According to The Consumer Product Safety Commission, ( CPSC ), annually there are tens of thousands of Dryer Fires leading to many injuries or death, due to dryer exhaust duct fires. You should clean your dryer hose and around it once a year, and inspect the vent and hose for any blockages at least every 6 months.

time to clean your dryer ducts prevent fires freshandclean, appliances, cleaning tips

You could pay a professional to clean your dryer ductwork, but the price could be anywhere from $65.00 to $150.00! Ummm — no thanks — I’ll keep my money and do this myself. It only takes about 15 – 20 minutes to do and it is easy!

I have loads of tips in my blog post that will help you along the way.

Start by unplugging your dryer and turn off the gas if you have a gas dryer.

Remove your lint trap and remove any lint from the screen.

Using a brush (designed for cleaning out the coils under your fridge) bend the brush and run it inside the lint trap. Then follow up by using a shop vac or vacuum to suck up any lint and dirt loosened by the brush.

You also want to clean the dryer exhaust - at both ends.

Hop over to my blog to learn more about cleaning, prevention and easy ways to clean the dryer exhaust.

Update: I wanted to let y’all know that the flex foil pipe shown in this tutorial is FLAMMABLE! Luckily I found this out before we had a fire.

Read how to Installing Semi-Rigid Dryer Hose to Prevent Fire Hazard. Link to this is in this post.

If you can reach the exterior vent, go ahead and clean it out also. Make sure the vent closes properly when the dryer isn’t running.

Be sure to keep your home and family safe by cleaning your dryer exhaust ductwork yearly.

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2 of 3 comments

7479891 on Aug 09, 2016
I used to vacuum the dryer vent, but now I use my battery operated leaf blower then wipe up the gunk that blows into the dryer and/or rake up the gunk that blows out the vent at the back of the house.

2 Reply
Sophia,M.,McConnery on Feb 02, 2017
Donot close the lid on your washing machine unless it is in use.I always kept the lids open,had no mold issues,no smells,and it is easy to clean with the lid up!

1 Reply