When my grandmother first taught me her method for cleaning a clogged dryer vent, I have to admit — I was skeptical. No high-tech gadgets, no expensive service calls. Just a vacuum, a brush, and an old leaf blower she kept in the garage. She looked at me with that calm, confident smile and said, “This keeps your dryer running right, keeps your house safe, and costs next to nothing.” She wasn’t exaggerating.
Many people don’t realize that a clogged dryer vent isn’t just an inconvenience — it’s a serious fire hazard. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, clothes dryers cause nearly 2,900 house fires every year, and failure to clean the vent is the leading cause. Beyond that, lint buildup reduces your dryer’s efficiency, increases energy bills, and shortens the lifespan of the machine itself.
So when Grandma said this was a “must-do,” I listened.
Her Step-by-Step Method — Simple, Safe, and Smart
Here’s how she showed me to clean the dryer vent properly — and I’ve used this method ever since.
✅ Step 1: Safety First
Unplug the dryer and, if it’s gas-powered, shut off the gas valve. Then carefully pull the machine slightly away from the wall — just enough to access the back.
✅ Step 2: Vacuum the Opening
Using a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment, remove all visible lint and dust from the back vent and the surrounding floor area. You’d be surprised how much builds up back there, even if you clean the lint trap regularly.
✅ Step 3: Use a Flexible Vent Brush
Take a long, flexible dryer vent brush (you can get one for under $20 at most hardware stores) and feed it into the duct. Twist and push gently to loosen any lint and dust stuck to the walls inside.
✅ Step 4: Vacuum Again
After brushing, go back in with the vacuum to suck up anything that got knocked loose.
✅ Step 5: Blow It Out from the Outside
Now here’s the clever part — Grandma’s leaf blower trick. Go outside where the dryer vent exhaust exits your house. Remove the cover (usually just a few screws), then place the leaf blower nozzle into the vent. Give it a few strong bursts. You’ll see dust and lint shoot out — it’s incredibly satisfying!
✅ Step 6: Reassemble and Test
Put the vent cover back on, reconnect your dryer, and slide it back into place. Run a short cycle with a small load. You’ll probably notice right away — the dryer is quieter, the clothes dry faster, and the machine feels less hot to the touch.
The Results Speak for Themselves
After doing this with Grandma the first time, I was amazed. The dryer worked like it was brand new. Clothes dried more evenly and in less time. The slight burning smell I hadn’t even noticed before was gone. Most importantly, I knew the risk of a fire was dramatically reduced.
It’s something she always did once in the spring and once before winter — and now, I do too.
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