Step-by-step

1
Unplug the dryer and pull it away from the wall, then disconnect the duct.
2
Attach the flexible lint brush to your cordless drill and feed it into the duct.
3
Spin the brush slowly as you push it deep through the ductwork to loosen packed lint.
4
Work the brush all the way to the exterior vent hood and back.
5
Vacuum out the loosened lint with a shop vac from both the inside and the outside vent.
6
Reconnect the duct, slide the dryer back, and run a short cycle to confirm strong airflow at the hood.

Common mistakes

• Spinning the drill too fast and kinking the rods
• Forgetting to clean the exterior vent flap
• Leaving the duct crushed behind the dryer

Maintenance & next steps

Clean the vent line at least once a year, more often with a large household.

When to call a professional

For roof-terminated vents or long, buried duct runs you can't reach.

Editor's note: This is instructional content for How to Clean and Vacuum Dryer Vent Lines From the Inside Out. Replace with your own firsthand experience and photos before publishing.

This page contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.