Skip The Leaf Blower: A Smarter, Safer Way To Clean Out Your Dryer Vent

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Has your dryer been taking longer than usual to dry a load of laundry? Does it feel hot to the touch, or gives off a slight burning smell when in use? If the answer is yes then it's likely time to clean your dryer vent to get rid of any build-up. However, if you don't want to peel stubborn lint by hand, you might have considered using your vacuum or even giving the leaf blower hack a try. After all, this hack only involves removing the cover from your exhaust vent, pulling out the vent hose from the back of your dryer, and aiming it at the air vent for a few seconds. Sounds simple, right? However, simple isn't always better. 

Matt Gorbacz, owner of Clean Air Technologies and an HVAC system cleaning expert, spoke exclusively with Hunker about the downsides of the leaf blower hack, and recommends using a DIY brush kit to maintain a clean dryer vent instead. "It is possible to clean a dryer vent using a leaf blower, but it is not reliable," he said. "That's because although a leaf blower pushes loose lint towards the exterior of the dryer vent, it doesn't clear out the lint that keeps stuck in the vent." 

That's not the only issue, though. Gorbacz warned that a "leaf blower can also push lint too deep into the dryer vent, even in places where you can't see and clean it." This can block the vent entirely and force your appliance to work even harder to dry the same load of laundry, cutting the lifespan of the appliance short and increasing the risk of trapped lint causing fires. As such, this technique is not 100% dependable. 

Gorbacz did offer some safety recommendations for the leaf blower hack. "If at all you want to use a leaf blower, disconnect the dryer from the vent first thing," he said. You might need a screwdriver to loosen the clamp, but the right method will depend on your model. So, be sure to keep your user manual handy. When you're done, go out and remove the cover from the exterior vent to keep it from getting damaged. If it looks filthy, use a brush or vacuum hose to clean it up. Though optional, you can cover the vent opening with old pantyhose to keep lint from dirtying your yard.

Now, go back in, grab your leaf blower, and aim its nozzle inside your dryer's air vent. If the fit isn't perfect, the air pressure won't be enough to unclog your dryer's vent. So, wrap a microfiber towel around your equipment before putting it in. "And then, make sure that you aim the leaf blower towards the exterior of the dryer vent and not the other way round. Also, you've got to make sure that the lint you cleared out doesn't block back in," said Gorbacz. Finally, run it for 30 seconds to easily clean your dryer vents. "Most important, the blower setting should be the lowest and the vent connection should be secure before you begin cleaning. And if you find that the vent is clogged, don't try to forcefully clear through the blockage," he cautioned. In such cases, it's best if you take a manual approach.

Since the leaf blower method isn't fit for households with vents that bends along the duct, have 90-degree sides, or one that has screens, you should look into other methods to prevent dryer vent fires. "The easiest way to clean a dryer vent is using a DIY brush kit. It can reach into the vent and remove lint easily," revealed Gorbacz. These kits don't cost a lot (around $15 to $20) and have long rods so it can get into the nooks and crannies. For instance, Holikme's Dryer Vent Cleaner Kit costs a little over $20, comes with a nylon rod that's 30 feet long, and features a synthetic brush head.

"Also, if your vent is long or hard to access, you can use a rotary dryer vent cleaning system. It uses a specialized brush that spins through your exhaust duct and scrubs away all the lint buildup," added Gorbacz. But if you'd rather not spend money on an extra cleaning system or don't have enough space in your garage to house one more tool, invest in a brush kit that can be used with your power drill for a similar effect (Holikme's kit is drill-friendly). 

But if this seems like too much work or your vent is backed up entirely, get professional help; just note that you'll have to shell out about $145 for one session. And no matter how clean your vents get, don't go too long between these cleaning sessions. Our expert suggested, "My advice is to get the dryer vent cleaned once every year. And if your home's dryer is used very frequently or has a long vent run, you should get it cleaned twice every year."