In this article I will describe the process I use when cleaning one of my customers dryer ducts.
The benefits of this service is that the air can flow through the dryer much better allowing the dryer to work more efficiently and saving money.
The first step is to pull the dryer away from the wall.
This allows you to access the hole in the wall that leads into the ducts.
This is also a good time to remove the hose connecting the dryer to the wall and to clean it out as well.
The second step is to determine if the vent goes directly outside or if it goes through the roof, or into the walls and out the side of the house.
If it goes out the side, you should remove the cover if you can for a more thorough cleaning.
Now you are ready to clean.
I use a tool called the Lint Eater which is available at Lowes for $39.
You might also need to buy some extensions for an additional $20.
The main kit only goes 12 feet.
If your duct is longer than that, buy the extensions.
The kit is a 4" brush on 3' rods.
There is an attachment that allows you to attach your shop vac to the vent while running the brush.
I recommend using it.
First place one 3' rod with the brush into the dryer duct in the wall.
Then attach the vacuum attachment piece to the duct with the rod poking through the small hole.
attach the vacuum and you are ready to begin removing all the built up lint from inside the ducts.
Use a standard 3/8 drill and put the rod into the drill.
Turn the vacuum on.
Power the drill up and slowly move the brush back and forth in the vent.
Then you turn off the drill, and add another 3' rod section to the one already in the vent.
slowly run the now 6' brush back and forth.
Do not allow the rods to come back too far out of the vent while the brush is rotating or the rods will twist up.
Continue to add the 3' sections until you have reached the cap on the roof or are just outside the house.
I usually check every so often if it goes outside to see how much further I need to go.
After verifying that you have covered all of the vent, take the drill off and remove the brush and rods.
Reattach the vent hose to the dryer and the fins to the outside cap if removed.
Now your dryer will run like new!