A dryer vent is an opening in the wall behind your dryer, drawing humid air out of the house. However, this opening can become clogged if lint from the dryer accumulates between the slats. If you have no idea how to clean the dryer vent from the outside, you have come to the right place. Below is a detailed guide with a step-by-step tutorial on cleaning an outside vent. That task should take less than two hours to complete. Want to learn more about it? Explore our guide for the most insightful information.
How Do You Do External Dryer Vent Cleaning?
While dryer vent cleaning Vaughan is not rocket science, you still need to know how to do it properly. To begin with, let’s discuss what tools you will need. So, make sure to arm yourself with the following:
- Screwdriver
- Wire vent brush with a long handle
- Piece of cloth or a scrub brush
- Lubricant (WD 40 will do)
- Dish soap
- Empty container (e.g., a bucket)
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Now that you are fully equipped, follow these steps:
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Identify The Exhaust Outlet of Your Dryer
Behind the dryer, you’ll notice a ventilation hose attached to the unit. This hose extends outward and connects to the exhaust outlet, which is usually positioned on the exterior wall of your home.
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See If The Opening Of The Vent Is Functioning Properly
Turn off the dryer and inspect the dryer vent from outside. If your dryer is a gas model, close the shut-off valve in the gas supply line, then disconnect and cap the supply line pipe.
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Move The Dryer Slightly Away From the Wall
With assistance, gently shift the dryer approximately one foot from the wall. This will give you sufficient room to reach behind the machine, allowing access to the vent system and removal of any accumulated debris.
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Examine The Dryer Vent Opening
Look carefully at the vent and evaluate the condition of its hinges, whether they are rusty or not. If they are, you should add a tad of the lubricant to oil them. Also, make sure none of the parts are missing and it is not cracked. Otherwise, cracks and empty holes may become home for vermin and insects, which can get as far as where you do laundry.
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Clean The Vent From Lint And Other Debris
If the vent is clogged with lint, you need to eliminate it with a wire brush with a long handle or simply manually. This step is essential if you live in an area with high humidity. The lint tends to become matted and stuck to the vent’s cover, which results in it not functioning properly. That is one of the main reasons you should learn how to clean the dryer vent from the outside.
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Wipe The Cover Of The Vent
The vent is covered with dirt, dust, and other pollutants. To remove them, dilute a tad of dish soap with lukewarm water and wash the cover using either the cloth or the brush. Give it a rinse afterward and let it dry in the air.
How To Maintain A Good Working Condition Of Your External Vents
Not only is it important to clean the vents from the outside regularly, but you should also try to keep them functioning as efficiently as possible. Thus, to ensure the airflow is not blocked, you should avoid the following:
- Bulky woody plants are growing in front of the vent.
- Accumulation of leaves, mulch, pine straw, and other debris from your yard in front of the outside vent.
- Snow buildup near the dryer vent, as it melts under the hot airflow and then freezes again, may bring a lot of trouble.
How Often Does A Vent Need To Be Cleaned Externally?
Consistency is key in many areas of our lives, and chores are no exception. That is to say, you should examine and clean the dryer vents outside the house every three months. In addition to better airflow, you will also notice that the clothes dry much faster in the dryer, while mold and mildew do not bother you.
Conclusion:
Since you are now more aware of how to clean dryer vents from outside, you may avoid many issues other homeowners often face. As you can tell, cleaning the dryer’s vents is extremely important if you want it to work efficiently. Besides, it may pose a risk for the whole household, as clogged vents are hazardous. Should you need help at any stage of the process, feel free to contact us.