When my grandmother first shared her way of clearing a clogged dryer vent, I’ll admit — I wasn’t convinced. No fancy gadgets, no costly repair calls. Just a vacuum, a brush, and an old leaf blower she had tucked away in the garage. With her calm, assured smile, she said, “This keeps your dryer running smoothly, protects your home, and costs almost nothing.” She wasn’t exaggerating.
Many people don’t realize that a blocked dryer vent isn’t just annoying — it’s a serious fire risk. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, dryers are responsible for nearly 2,900 home fires each year, and failure to clean the vent is the top cause. On top of that, lint buildup reduces your dryer’s efficiency, raises energy bills, and shortens the life of the machine. So when Grandma said this was essential, I paid attention.
Her Step-by-Step Approach — Simple, Safe, and Effective
Here’s the method she taught me to clean a dryer vent properly — and I’ve followed it ever since:
✅ Step 1: Prioritize Safety
Unplug the dryer, and if it’s gas-powered, turn off the gas supply. Gently pull the dryer away from the wall just enough to reach the back vent.
✅ Step 2: Vacuum the Vent Opening
Using a vacuum with a hose attachment, remove all visible lint and dust from the vent and the surrounding floor area. You’d be surprised how much collects back there, even if you clean the lint trap regularly.
✅ Step 3: Use a Flexible Vent Brush
Take a long, bendable dryer vent brush (available for under $20 at most hardware stores) and feed it into the duct. Twist and push gently to loosen built-up lint and dust inside.
✅ Step 4: Vacuum Again
After brushing, go back in with the vacuum to pick up anything that got dislodged.
✅ Step 5: Blow It Out from Outside
Here’s the clever part — Grandma’s leaf blower trick. Outside, locate the vent exhaust, remove the cover (usually just a few screws), and insert the leaf blower nozzle. Give it a few strong bursts. Dust and lint will shoot out — it’s oddly satisfying!
✅ Step 6: Reassemble and Test
Put the vent cover back on, reconnect the dryer, and slide it into place. Run a short cycle with a small load. You’ll immediately notice the difference — the dryer is quieter, clothes dry faster, and the machine stays cooler.
The Results Are Clear
The first time I followed Grandma’s method, I was blown away. The dryer ran like it was brand new. Clothes dried more evenly and faster. That faint burning smell I hadn’t noticed before was gone. Most importantly, the risk of a fire was much lower. Grandma always did this once in spring and once before winter — now, I do the same.
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