Different Types Of Tools To Use For Cleaning Out Your Dryer Vent

Your clothes dryer can cause a fire in your home if the vent pipes get backed up with lint. For this reason, it is essential to keep the vents clean. Typically, you can tell if the vent system is blocked, because the dryer will begin to take longer to dry your clothes. It is also possible that the dryer will feel extremely hot when in use, because the vent isn't allowing the air to flow through properly. In addition, your dryer may stop heating your clothes altogether, and you'll need  to have it repaired or purchase a new one. There are a variety of different tools that can be used to clean out the dryer vents if there is blockage. The list below provides some information on the different types of tools that can be used to clean out your dryer vent.

Cleaning The Vent With A Dryer Brush

The dryer brush is almost made the same as a chimney cleaning brush, but the bristles are softer and it is attached to a cable that allows you to push into the vents. In order to clean the dryer vent using the brush, you have to deed it into one end of the vent, rotating the handle while continuing to push it as far as you can. The brush will then push the lint out of the other end of the vent to clear it out. In order to avoid getting dryer debris everywhere, position a bag at the other end to catch the materials as it exits out of the vent.

Cleaning The Vent With A Compressed Air Jet-Snake

The compressed air jet-snake works similarly to the dryer brush. However, instead of using the brush bristles, the jet-snake is equipped with a tapered head and holes that allow compressed air to flow through. The compressed air jet-snake has the flexibility to feed through the vent pipe while bending and turning in order to force out all the debris. Have someone hold a bag at the other end of the vent pipe because the pressure of the compressed air can forcibly blow out the lint, spreading it around on everything.

Additional Vent Cleaning Tools and Procedures

There are additional cleaning procedures that can be used to clean out the vents if you don't have access to a dryer brush or a compressed air jet-snake. Disconnect the vent out by using a screwdriver to disconnect both ends of the vent pipe. Use a leaf blower or a wet/dry vacuum cleaner to extract any lint that has built up in the vent.

If you are unsure what methods to use to clean out your vent ducts, consult an appliance repair service, like Appliance Tech Repair LLC by Frank Lecato.