Removing Dryer Lint

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MassWineGuy

MassWineGuy

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I’m certain that the vent in my dryer desperately needs cleaning, but I think I can only approach it from the dryer side in the house. What’s the best apparatus or tool to use?
Thanks.
 
Tell us about the vent rout, the length of the run and the vent material.
 
how about a chimney cleaning brush, check out amazon.com
 
I think it’s about 15 to 20 feet long. Flexible metal about 4 to 5 inches in diameter. Feeds to an outside vent. That side of the house has very narrow access to go up that high to clean from the vent.
 
Thanks.
The obstruction or narrowing of the vent probably occurs within the first few feet of exiting the appliance, and metal flex vent is a disaster waiting to happen.

Chimney brushes have a flexible handle and are available in a variety of lengths, so something 4 or 5' long, inserted, spun, pulled and vacuumed should help. Beyond that, you may need a professional service, for no other reason than the cost of the tools.
 
Glad to hear that the first few feet in from the dryer is a vital place to clean. Amazon, Home Depot, etc. sell extension brush type things like that.

Thank you so much.
 
Ducting is usually attached to the outside vent with a clamp around the duct, often just a hose clamp or something similar. If you have access from the inside,you can detach the duct and clean it pretty well.

Possibly even remove both ends and throw it in the washing machine...:rolleyes: ......but then you can't put it in the dryer :(
 
I've actually attached a leaf blower to the vent and blown out all sorts of lint to the outside. It's a bit noisy especially if you don't have an electric blower and only a gas powered one.
 
....meaning from the inside, obviously. Just detached the vent hose from the dryer and stuck the blower inside it while wrapping a towel around the blower nozzle and larger vent hose to keep the pressure going outside.
 
I can’t get to the outside vent easily by ladder, but may be able to disconnect the vent from the inside. I’m not very handy, so I don’t hold high hopes for that.

Meanwhile, I received my Linteater rotary vent kit. If I clean from the dryer side will that help?
 
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I would think yes, depending on where the turns are in the vent line. That's why i like bringing in a blower and blowing it all out from the inside. You will see any debris on the ground outside afterward.
 
I don’t have a blower, but I may buy a small shop vac. Can anyone recommend a decent one that’s under $100?
 
If you can get both ends removed, then just throw it away and replace it. Go with hard duct wherever possible, ideally from the dryer to the vent.
 
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