If the dryer's air duct hasn't been cleaned for a long time, it's a good idea to start immediately. The air duct of the clothes dryer can become clogged with lint from the dryer and affect the machine's function. If you can move the dryer to reach the air ducts, cleaning can be done alone. However, in some cases, the airways may not be reachable on their own. If so, use the services of a professional to solve this problem.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Cleaning the Air Ducts Yourself
Step 1. Clear the lint screen
First of all, clear the lint screen just like after washing clothes. It's a good idea to do this after every time you wash clothes. When cleaning the air duct, check the lint screen first and remove any lint. Air duct cleaning should always begin with cleaning the lint screen.
Step 2. Disconnect the dryer
Never clean the dryer air duct while the machine is connected to electricity as it is very dangerous. Locate and unplug the machine plugged into the wall socket to disconnect the power.
Step 3. Move the dryer
The dryer air duct is at the back of the machine so you will need to move the machine away from the wall to gain access to the air duct. Sometimes, dryers are so heavy that they cannot be moved. In addition, the dryer is also difficult to move because it is in a fairly narrow room. If so, you should use the services of a professional.
If the dryer is heavy enough, enlist the help of one or two people
Step 4. Remove the tube
The dryer duct is a hole that runs through the wall. The dryer and the air duct are connected by a hose attached to the wall using screws. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws, then remove the hose from the wall so that the air duct is accessible.
- There are various types of screwdrivers needed. Check the type of screw first to determine the type of screwdriver needed.
- Keep the screws in the bowl so they don't get lost. You will need it to refit the hose.
Step 5. Vacuum the air duct with a vacuum cleaner
Attach the nozzle head to the vacuum cleaner. Suck the air duct in the wall by inserting the nozzle as far into the duct as possible. After that, suck the hose that connects to the dryer, as far as the nozzle can reach.
If you don't have a vacuum cleaner, use a flexible dust brush with an extendable handle. You can also use compressed air to blow the lint out of the dryer's air ducts
Step 6. Put everything back in its place
Replace the nozzle extending from the dryer to the wall and secure it with the screw. After that, slide the dryer back into place. Plug the dryer plug back into the wall socket, and your dryer can be used again. Once the air ducts are clean, the dryer's performance will improve.
Method 2 of 3: Using Professional Services
Step 1. Find an HVAC technician in your area
In some cases, the dryer's air duct may not be self-cleaning, for example due to an inaccessible air duct. Also, you can't do a thorough cleaning without professional help. If the dryer doesn't dry properly after you've cleaned the dryer vents alone, it's a good idea to hire a professional. You need an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning) technician, who is an expert in cleaning dryer ducts. Try looking for a professional on the internet or the yellow pages of the phone book.
Try asking for recommendations from neighbors because most homes have called in professional services to clean their dryer air ducts
Step 2. Set a dryer air duct cleaning budget
The price of dryer air duct cleaning services is quite expensive, usually starting from IDR 1,300,000-2,500,000. Determine how much cleaning you can afford. Contact various companies, and ask for an estimate of the cost. Look for a company that offers services within your budget
Don't delay cleaning the dryer duct for too long just because you want to save money. Dryer air ducts should be cleaned at least once a year to prevent flammables
Step 3. Schedule a cleaning time
Once you have found a suitable professional service, contact the company and schedule a cleaning time. You should set aside some free time to be home when the cleaning staff comes so that you can show them where the dryer, outlet, and fuse box are.
Step 4. Get the suggested diagnosis
Diagnostic tests are used to assess how well the airways are cleaning. This test also determines whether gas from the air duct is flowing out of the housing and there are no gaps or holes in the air duct. Depending on various factors, such as the age of the house, the cleaning staff may suggest diagnostic tests. Consult the cleaning staff regarding the appropriate test for your home.
These diagnostic tests may incur additional fees so make sure in advance so that the costs do not exceed your budget
Method 3 of 3: Keeping the Air Duct Cleaner
Step 1. Learn the signs that the air ducts need cleaning
You must act immediately after these signs appear. Clean the dryer air duct if any of the following symptoms occur:
- Clothes are not dry
- Clothes feel very hot after drying
- Excessive heat from the dryer.
- There are too many threads in the fiber container.
- Excess odor on dryer sheets
Step 2. Keep the floor around the dryer clean
During regular cleaning, sweep up all lint and debris on the floor near the dryer. The dryer will suck dirt and debris from the floor which makes the air ducts dirty faster. So, the cleanliness of the clothes dryer air duct can be maintained by sweeping the floor around the machine.
Step 3. Limit the use of dryer sheets
Dryer sheets can make clothes smell fresher, but they also help build lint in the air ducts. It's best to reduce dryer sheets if possible. Softeners should also be used sparingly, as fabric softener residue can clog the dryer's air ducts.
Step 4. Use a short drying cycle
Do dry cycles in 30-40 minute intervals to increase air circulation. Poor air circulation can cause deposits of dirt and debris in the dryer air ducts.
