How to Clean a Dryer Vent (The Right Way)

1. Unplug the Dryer and Move It Away From the Wall

Start by cutting power to your dryer.
Unplug it from the wall, or if you have a gas dryer, turn the gas valve to the off position.

• Carefully slide the dryer away from the wall — just enough to access the back.
• If your dryer is on a pedestal, get help to stabilize it.

Pro Tip: Lay down an old towel or sheet behind the dryer to catch lint and protect your floors from scuffs or scratches.

2. Disconnect the Vent Hose

Look at where the flexible vent hose connects to the back of your dryer. It’s usually secured with a clamp, zip tie, or duct tape.

• Use a screwdriver to loosen the clamp or remove the tape.
• Gently pull the vent hose off the back of the dryer.

Once disconnected, vacuum the inside of the hose where it meets the dryer.
You may already see loose lint — that’s normal and exactly what you’re here to clear.

3. Clean Inside the Wall Vent

This is where lint really builds up — and it’s the part most people skip (dangerous!).

• Insert a dryer vent brush into the wall opening. These brushes are long, flexible, and designed for this job.
• Rotate the brush slowly as you push it in. Work it forward a few feet at a time, then pull it out to remove debris.
• Repeat the process until you’ve cleared the entire duct. If your kit includes multiple rods, connect more to reach further.

Not sure if it’s working?
You should feel some resistance from lint buildup, but the brush shouldn’t get stuck. If it does, back it out gently and try again at a slightly different angle.

⚠️ Mistake to Avoid:
Don’t push lint deeper into the system. Always pull the brush out to clean it as you go.

4. Clean the Exterior Vent Outside

Now go outside and locate the vent exit on your home’s exterior wall.
It’s usually a small flap, hood, or louvered vent cover.

• Open or remove the vent cover.
• Insert your brush from the outside and gently work it in, just like before.
• Use a vacuum to pull out any loose lint.
• Clear away leaves, spiderwebs, or critter nests if present.

Tip: If the flap doesn’t open easily when the dryer runs, there’s probably still a blockage inside.

5. Clean the Lint Trap Housing

Even if you clean the lint screen after every load (you should), there’s usually buildup inside the slot it sits in.

• Use a long, narrow lint trap brush or vacuum crevice attachment to reach deep inside.
• You’ll often pull out gray clumps that slow down airflow.

Bonus Tip: Do this every couple of months to keep airflow strong and reduce drying time.

6. Reconnect the Vent Hose and Test

You’re in the home stretch.

• Reattach the vent hose to the back of the dryer.
• Tighten the clamp with a screwdriver, or use new foil tape if needed.
• Gently push the dryer back into place without crushing the vent hose.

Plug the dryer back in (or turn the gas valve back on) and run it on air dry or fluff for 5 minutes.

• Check outside to see if warm air is flowing through the exterior vent.
• If the flap opens easily and airflow is strong, you did it right.

✅ You’ll notice: Clothes drying faster, less lint, and a much safer setup.