Dryer Duct Cleaning: How to Do it Right

Dryer fires are one of the most common causes of house fires in the United States. In fact, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 92% of all house fires involve clothes dryers. There’s an easy solution though: dryer duct cleaning and maintenance.

So, if you have a dryer at home, it's always worth your while to conduct routine dryer duct cleaning. Doing so can not only help prevent house fires, but it can also help you save on the electricity bill and prolong the life of your dryer. You’ll want to do it the right way though. To help, we’ve provided you with the steps below, although we always recommend contacting a professional.

How To Do Dryer Duct Cleaning Right

When it comes to dryer duct cleaning, there are several steps you’ll need to take to ensure you do it correctly. The first step, as with any maintenance procedure involving something electrical, is to disconnect the power source.

Disconnect The Dryer From The Power Source

Before you begin your dryer duct cleaning, one of the most important steps is to turn off and disconnect the dryer from its power source so that you protect yourself from any electrical shocks. More importantly, doing so can prevent flammable lint and debris from igniting.

It never hurts to double check the power is actually off either. You don’t want a nasty surprise while working, after all.

Vacuum The Vent

To get the job done right, it's important to use the right tools and equipment. This is where a vacuum cleaner with a long hose attachment comes in handy. These are not your ordinary store-bought vacuums either, as dryer vents can be quite long.

Depending on your home's design, you may need to buy specialized vacuum attachments or special vacuums altogether just to conduct proper dryer duct cleaning, for example. It's also important to ensure the vacuum has enough suction power to deep clean the inner lining and make sure that all the lint, dust, dirt, and other debris gets dislodged and removed successfully.

Unfortunately, not having the correct tools that are typically required for this job cause many people to simply choose to ignore or forget about it entirely. Investing in some basic dryer vent cleaning attachments or hiring professionals with the right tools will ensure the job is done right.

Seal Connections And Seams With Caulk Or Tape

Proper dryer duct cleaning doesn't end with a thorough vacuuming. You also need to ensure all connections and seams between different vent parts are properly sealed with foil tape or silicone caulk.

Caulking and taping are important as they will ensure proper airflow and prevent potential blockages. It helps seal all of the seams between the different parts of the vent and prevents air leakage, which could lead to lint build-up and hazardous conditions such as fire hazards. It also helps ensure the connections between different parts of the vent remain secure and airtight, which reduces inefficiencies in the drying process.

Inspect And Replace Any Old Or Damaged Parts

Another important step in proper dryer duct cleaning is to inspect the vent tubes and other parts of the duct. Vent tubes can get holes over time, metal screws can corrode, and other parts can get damaged. If you spot any of these, it's a good idea to replace them with new ones.

The last thing you want is to finish all the cleaning and maintenance only to find out that your dryer isn't working correctly because of a faulty piece of equipment.

Vent blades also often need replacing as debris may have clogged or damaged them. Vermin, such as rats and nesting birds, can also cause breakages.

If you feel the vent tube needs replacing, keep in mind that you need to purchase one that is exactly the right fit for your dryer model and vent size. This should help prevent pests from entering your house through the gaps.

Reconnect the dryer And Turn It Back On

After you have completed the dryer duct cleaning, all that is left to do is reconnect the dryer and turn it on to make sure everything is working perfectly again. As it's running, make sure to look for leakages, strange noises, or any other signs of malfunctioning or damage. Keep an eye on the dryer the next few times you use it too, just to make sure no issues are going to pop up.

If you have any suspicions, it's probably a good idea to recheck connections and reevaluate the condition of the parts. We’ll mention this more below, but you can also contact a professional so they can take a look at it and see what the problem might be. 

Parting Thoughts: Dryer Duct Cleaning And How to Do it Right

Dryer duct cleaning is an important job that can't be overlooked. The buildup of lint and debris inside a dryer's duct can seriously impede its functioning, leading to unwanted smoke and fire hazards that may otherwise have been preventable. 

Dryer duct cleaning will help protect your home and family, as well as protect the efficiency of your dryer. So, do this job with the proper care and caution that it deserves.

Now, while there’s nothing wrong with conducting your own dryer duct cleaning, there’s another option as well. Hiring a professional to handle the dryer duct cleaning for you can ensure the job is done correctly and expertly. 

It's important to remember that dryer duct cleaning is not only an essential task, but it can also be potentially hazardous. So, if you have any doubt, don't hesitate to call in a certified HVAC technician today! Not only will they be able to check the condition of your venting system and identify any problems, but they will also be able to make sure that it's cleaned safely and efficiently.

We’ve been in business since 1999 and are confident we can provide the kind of service you’re looking for when it comes to dryer duct cleaning. Contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you!