Is your dryer vent clogged, and your attempts to clear it with a broom were unsuccessful? You do it, and this article will show you how to clean dryer vent with a leaf blower. Or, if you don’t want to do it yourself, call a professional to do it for you. But, before you do that, check out this article!
Why Clean Dryer Vents
There are several reasons people decide to clean their dryer vent blowers. The most common reason is the unpleasant smell of the lint and the moisture that builds up over time. Dryer vents need to be cleaned regularly.
The other reason is to prevent fires. When the lint builds up, it blocks the flow of air and causes the dryer to overheat and burn up. You should clean the vent at least once or twice a year.
What is the lint in a dryer vent?
Lint is the residue that builds up in the dryer vent. It is comprised of fabric softener sheets, lint, hair, and other debris. This residue is combustible. A lint that is not cleaned out of the vent can cause a fire.
Guide on How to Clean Dryer Vent With Leaf Blower
A leaf blower can be used to clean the dryer vent. It is a tool that is used to blow leaves, dust, dirt, twigs, and other small particles. It has a long tube attached to it with a suction end. The suction end is used to blow the particles.
So, cleaning dryer vent with leaf blower is a simple and inexpensive method, and you can easily do it yourself. But, before cleaning the vent, you must unplug the dryer and check the user manual for specific instructions.
Step 1: Access the vent
The first thing you’ll need to do before unclogging dryer vent is access the vent itself. It’s located under the machine, so you’ll need to use the machine’s cover (usually held in place by screws) to remove it.
Depending on the make and model of your dryer, you may or may not need to remove the screws that hold the cover in place, but the process is essentially the same.
Step 2: Remove hose and the cover
You’ll need to remove the hose clamp that holds the vent in place. There should be a flathead screwdriver in your toolkit that you can use to loosen the clamp. Once you remove the clamp, the vent should slide out.
If it doesn’t, you may have to remove a few screws that hold it in place. You should then have access to the vent cover and the lint trap.
Be careful when you remove the vent cover, as it may be made of thin metal and can be bent or punctured easily.
Step 3: Clean the outside
You’ll need to remove any lint, dust, and dirt from the outer portion of the vent. You can use a vacuum cleaner to remove the small particles and a damp cloth to clean away any larger messes.
Step 4: Insert the leaf blower and create a seal
As you’re cleaning the outside, you’ll want to run the leaf blower and create a seal around the outside of the vent. This will prevent any lint, dirt, and debris from escaping outside of the vent. Use duct tape to ensure that you’ve got a tight seal around the vent. A towel will also do the trick.
Step 5: Clean the inside
Now that you’ve created a seal, you can run the leaf blower inside the vent. This will allow you to thoroughly clean the inside and remove any lint, dirt, and debris. It’s time to power up the leaf blower and begin blowing.
You’ll want to run the blower for a few minutes and then check to see if the outside portion of the vent is clean. Repeat this process several times until you’ve got a clean duct.
Don’t use the leaf blower on a high setting, as this could damage the vent. And make sure not to use it for too long at a time, as you don’t want to damage the dryer, the vent, or the blower itself.
Step 6: Clean the outside again
Now that you’ve cleaned the inside of the vent, you’ll want to clean the outside as well. This will prevent lint from building up and ensure that it doesn’t clog the vent.
You may need to use a rake to pull the lint off the outside of the dryer. You can also use a long, thin brush to clean the vents if you have one on hand.
Step 7: Put it all back together
Now that you’ve cleaned the vent, you’ll want to put it all back together. This will ensure that your dryer is operating efficiently and that the vents aren’t blocked.
Start by removing the duct tape. Then, carefully place the ducting back into place. If you have a connection on the side of the vent, make sure to line up all of the parts and make sure it’s securely fastened.
Is it a Good Idea to Clean Your Dryer Vent This Way?
[wpsm_quick_slider ids=”7437,7436″]It should be mentioned that there are some safety concerns with blowing air into the dryer vent. If the dryer vent has any sharp bends or kinks in it, the air can be forced back out of the vent. There is the possibility that the air will be forced out of the vent at high velocity and become dangerous.
I recommend that you wear safety glasses and gloves to protect your eyes and hands from any debris that could come out of the vent.
Additionally, hot air from a leaf blower can ignite the lint from the dryer vent.
FAQ
I assume that you still have some questions about unclogging dryer vent. Here are some FAQs for your reference.
Does the dryer vent need to be cleaned?
It depends on the situation. You should clean the dryer vent when there is any blockage (like lint or other debris) in it because it can cause several problems like fire, carbon monoxide poisoning, and other health hazards.
How often should I clean my dryer vent?
It depends on the situation. Some people clean their dryer vent every 6 months, while some others clean it once a year. In case there is a blockage in the dryer vent, you should clean it as soon as possible.
How do I know if my dryer vent needs cleaning?
If your dryer is taking longer than normal to dry clothes, it may be time to clean the vent. The dryer vent may also smell like exhaust fumes.
Is it safe to clean dryer vent with a leaf blower?
There is a risk of blowing lint and debris into the air and creating a fire hazard. The safer method is to use a special brush to clean the inside of the dryer exhaust duct.
The Bottom Line
If you have a damp or musty smell coming from your clothes dryer, or if dryer lint is coming from the dryer vent when the dryer cycle is complete, clean the lint from the dryer vent. If your clothes dryer is taking longer than normal to dry your clothes, or you are getting an “E1” error code, clean the lint from the dryer vent.
Hope this helps, and if you need any other type of information, please let me know, and I will do my best to help you.
