3 Ways to Remove Lint from a Dryer Exhaust

5/14/2021 (Permalink)

Clothes dryers cause more than 15,000 fires every year, and up to 80 percent of these fires start due to clogged exhausts. The accumulation of lint in a dryer exhaust hose can increase the risk of a dryer fire. A homeowner can prevent a lint fire by cleaning the lint screen after every load, deep cleaning the filter every week or two, and clearing the exhaust hose several times a year. There're three practical ways that SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville has found to clean out a dryer exhaust.

1. Use a Vacuum Attachment

If a vacuum has an attachment that fits inside an exhaust hose, it can be used as dryer cleaning equipment. Make sure that you can insert and extract the attachment without difficulty. It's important to clean every side of the hose. It may be easier to use a specialized cleaning rod.

2. Use a Vent Cleaning Rod

A vent cleaning rod is narrow and has a round brush at the end. Some rods are made for manual use, while others can be connected to a power drill. Feed the rod into the vent and rotate to clean. For the best results, you should extract, clean off, and re-insert the rod several times to remove the buildup that can cause a lint fire.

3. Hire a Cleaning Service

Some services specialize in cleaning dryer exhausts and have specialized equipment designed for this purpose. Hiring professionals will prevent a homeowner from moving a dryer or risk damaging the clamps that hold the exhaust hose.

These methods can help prevent a lint fire. If a dryer fire results in Germantown, Tennessee, or Collierville, Tennessee, contact SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville at (901) 755-3705. Regularly cleaning a lint screen and taking measures to keep an exhaust vent clear can reduce the likelihood of a fire.