Make your clothes dryer more efficient

How to clean your dryer vent and save energy.

Every time you dry laundry, little bits of lint rub off. That lint builds up surprisingly fast. It can make your dryer work harder - wasting energy - and also create a potential fire hazard.

Some lint ends up in your dryer's lint trap. Make it a habit to clean the trap after every load. But at least once a year, you should do a more extensive cleaning of the entire dryer vent system.

Gather supplies

• Vacuum with hose attachment and/or a dryer vent brush (large brush on a long, flexible metal rod, available at appliance parts stores)
• Screwdriver
• Old toothbrush
• Rag or paper towels

How to clean a dryer vent system

1. Access the exhaust duct. Pull the dryer out from the wall so you can reach the exhaust duct where it's attached to the rear panel. Detach the duct from the dryer, using the screwdriver if there are screws holding it in place.
2. Clean out the duct. Use the vacuum or the dryer vent brush to clean the duct as far as you can reach.
3. Reattach the duct to the dryer, and move the dryer back into place.
4. Clean the lint trap and chute. Pull the lint trap out of the dryer and use the vacuum or brush to clean down inside the lint chute. Fabric softeners can build up a film on the lint trap that blocks airflow. So, in addition to cleaning the loose lint off the trap, use an old toothbrush to scrub the lint screen clean with soap and water.
5. Clean the exterior vent hood. Go outside where your dryer vent exhausts outdoors. Use the old toothbrush, a rag or some paper towels to wipe out lint buildup. Also make sure the flap or louvers that cover the vent close properly - they should only be open when the dryer is operating. If they are damaged, you'll want to go to the hardware store and get a new vent hood to install. Otherwise, mice or other critters may find the vent to be a warm, inviting home!