The Best Dryer Vent Cleaner Kit

Buying Guide

Clothes dryers can be a home safety hazard. In fact, 2,900 dryer fires are reported every year, causing deaths, injuries and property losses. One of the best things you can do to prevent serious loss is to never run your dryer unless you’re awake and nearby to supervise it. Starting a load of laundry before leaving the house or going to bed might mean you aren’t awake to see the signs and take action.

But there’s another measure you can take to reduce your risk of a household fire altogether. The top cause of clothes dryer-related home fires is failure to clean it. Cleaning the lint out of the filter after every single load is an important first step, but it isn’t the only step. Lint can build up in the back of the dryer and the vent pipe.

Luckily, there are things you can do to keep your clothes dryer in fighting shape. You can pay a service to thoroughly clean your dryer periodically, but it’s also something you can do on your own if you want to save money. You’ll need a few supplies to start, including:

• Microfiber cloth
• Water and vinegar mix
• Detergent
• Cleaning brushes
• Vacuum with hose (optional)
• Drill (optional)
• Screwdriver

Both a vacuum and drill can not only speed up the cleaning process but also make it more efficient and thorough. But those devices need hose attachments that can reach into the nooks and crannies of your dryer and vent.

A dryer vent cleaning kit will give you a hose that can attach to your vacuum cleaner or power drill. These hoses typically can be used on their own, as well, to clean those areas where suction isn’t necessary to remove lint. Many come with a brush to eliminate stubborn lint and dirt, as well as the adapters necessary to work with some of the most common vacuum cleaners or drills. Before you get started, make sure you know the type of hoses you need so that you get the kit that works best for your situation.

• There are some signs your clothes dryer needs cleaning. If your clothes are taking longer than usual to dry, it could be because your exhaust opening is clogged. You should also listen for squeaking and take quick action if you smell burning. Also, if the dryer and your clothes seem hot to the touch, it could be a sign your dryer is overheating.
• Vent cleaning kits can also help with cleaning other household items that can be prone to lint buildup. One popular use is the vent in back of the refrigerator, which can easily build up lint. You can also use these vacuum attachments for those areas between cushions on your sofa and car seats.
• Before buying a dryer vent cleaning kit, note the accessories that are included. Some simply include a hose, while others have a brush that can do the extra scrubbing you might need. Some are designed to be used with a power drill instead of a vacuum cleaner and will have the attachment and hardware necessary to make the connection.
• Take a look at how long the hose is. Dryer vent cleaner hoses can vary in length, but some are 30 or 40 feet long, which comes in handy when you’re trying to reach behind a refrigerator or dryer. It might allow you to scoot the appliance out just a little to access the backside, saving effort.
• Compatibility isn’t guaranteed. While many dryer vent cleaning kits promise to work with a variety of vacuum cleaners or drills, you may find that yours isn’t one of them. Take a look at your vacuum or drill to make sure it will work with the kit you’re considering.
• Flexibility is a big benefit of a dryer vent cleaning hose. Having one that can bend to work with the curves will make it easier to get behind your dryer and inside your dryer vent.