It goes without saying that once in a while, every homeowner needs to clean their dryer vents. But did you know that you can do it using a leaf blower? If not, no worries. In the following guide, we have thoroughly explained how to clean the dryer vent with a leaf blower. We have covered all the main aspects you should know about the procedure, from the required tools to successive steps so it will not seem like a daunting task for you.
What Does Dryer Vent Cleaning Mean?
When we refer to cleaning dryer vent, we usually imply removing lint from it. If you think your dryer vents are not susceptible to such a problem, we are here to prove you wrong. Lint is essentially a clump made of fibers that yarn or cloth shed. So, whenever you wash your clothes, it discards not only dirt but also fibers. Yet, as it is wet when you take it out of the washer, some of the fibers tend to cling to it. Then you put it in the dryer, and the lint falls off. Because this is how the process should normally flow, there is a screen in every dryer to collect lint.
As it accumulates in the dryer vent, you need to remove the lint from it from time to time. Otherwise, you will face several negative consequences, such as hindered airflow, mold and mildew growth, a fire hazard, and many others. As such, cleaning your dryer vents is essential to keep all those issues at bay.
How To Clean Dryer Vents Using Your Leaf Blower
Since now you know what it is, it is time to learn how to clean the dryer vent with a leaf blower. Believe it or not, cleaning your dryer vents is easier than it seems. The good news is you will not need to buy any special tools for it, provided you have a leaf blower at home. Yes, you read it right. This tool can be efficient for gathering leaves in the fall and keeping your dryer vents lint-free all year round, as well as many other tasks. So, make sure you know how to use a leaf blower and follow this step-by-step tutorial.
- Free The Space Around The Dryer And Take The Hose Off
Before beginning the process, you need to provide access to the vent of your dryer. If it stands next to the wall, make sure to move the dryer away from it far enough to reach the vent easily. Also, detach the hose connected to the vent. To do this, you may only use your hands. Though, a screwdriver might be of help too.
- Take Off The Outer Vent Cover And Clean It
Open the vent by removing the outer cover from it and hand-clean the opening. Additionally, employ a vacuum cleaner or a brush for hard buildup removal.
- Seal The Leaf Blower Inserted In The Vent And Turn It On
Connect the leaf blower to the vent, seal the nozzle using duct tape and turn it on for half a minute. Do several blasts to see if everything works well.
- Examine The External Part Of The Vent For Residue And Remove It If Necessary
In case there is still some lint left on the outer part of the vent, you need to clean it once again.
- Get The Dryer Back To Where It Was
As soon as your dryer vent is spick and span, you can detach the leaf blower from it and insert the hose of the dryer back into the vent. Do not forget to put on the outside cover and screw it back.
Conclusion:
Now that you know how to clean the dryer vent with a leaf blower, you can easily do it yourself. However, this is only a temporary measure and does not work for everyone, as your vent simply may not be suitable for DIY cleaning because of its length, shape, or style. Professional cleaning must be performed at least once a year to keep your dryer running smoothly and working efficiently, as well as prevent a fire hazard. So, do not hesitate to contact us for assistance.