No one really wants to deal with clogged dryer vent because it requires too much work and effort, or at least that’s what I thought before my grandma showed me her way of cleaning it. Honestly, when she shared her method with me, I thought she was joking but I still decided to give it a go. Believe it or not, it doesn’t require any fancy cleaning kit, and definitely not expensive repairman, just her old vacuum, a long brush, and a dusty leaf blower that had been sitting in the garage for quite some time.
“This keeps your dryer running right, keeps your house safe, and costs next to nothing,” she said with a grin on her face. And guess what, it turns out she was absolutely right.
What many people don’t realize is how dangerous a blocked dryer vent can be. Trust me when I say it, it’s a real fire risk. The US Fire Administration reports that dryers cause almost 2,900 house fires every year, and the main culprit is neglecting to clean the vent. On top of that, lint buildup makes your machine work harder, eat up more energy, and wear out sooner. So when Grandma said this was something I had to do, I started taking notes.
Grandma’s Foolproof Dryer Vent Cleaning Method
It doesn’t get any simpler than this.
Step 1: Unplug and Clear the Space
Start by unplugging the dryer. If it’s gas-powered, turn off the valve and gently pull it away from the wall so you can reach the vent at the back.
Step 2: Vacuum Out the Dust
Use the hose attachment on your vacuum to suck up all the visible lint and dust from the back vent and floor area. You won’t believe what’s been hiding there.
Step 3: Brush the Inside
Take a long, flexible vent brush (the cheap ones work fine) and push it into the duct, twisting gently to loosen the lint stuck inside the walls.
Step 4: Vacuum Again
Once everything is loosened, go back in with the vacuum to clean up the mess you just freed.
Step 5: The Leaf Blower Trick
This is grandma’s secret weapon. Go outside where the vent exhausts, remove the cover, and fit the leaf blower nozzle inside. A few strong bursts of air, and lint will start flying like confetti.
Step 6: Put Everything Back
Reattach the cover, slide your dryer back, and run a short cycle.
You’ll notice the dryer running way smoother than before, making less noise, and drying the clothes in half the time.
Try it and let me know if it worked for you.
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Bored Daddy
Love and Peace
