DIY guideDryer
Vacuum behind the dryer and check its exhaust connection
Lint gathers behind and under a dryer, where it can catch fire. Pull it out, vacuum all round it, and make sure its duct is firmly on. The case stays shut.
- 20 to 30 min
- 8 steps
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8 steps
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Unplug the dryer and slide it out from the wall far enough to reach behind it.
If it runs on gas, move it gently and don't kink or pull the gas line.Vacuum the floor and the wall behind the dryer, and the lint caught round its feet.
With a long, narrow nozzle, vacuum under the dryer from the front and the sides, as far as it reaches.
Leave its case and panels on: inside is an appliance pro's.Loosen the clamp, slide the duct off the back, and vacuum the dryer's outlet and the duct's end.
Slide the duct back over the outlet and tighten the clamp until it won't pull off. Check the wall end the same way.
Slide the dryer back slowly, watching the duct, and leave a hand's width so it isn't crushed.
Plug it in, run it on air only, and check that air pushes out at the outside hood.
A crushed, torn, plastic or foil duct, or lint you can see inside the case: ask Handyman for a dryer vent pro.
What you need
- A vacuum with a long, narrow nozzle
- A screwdriver for the clamp
Call a pro if
- The duct is crushed, torn, plastic or foil
- You can see lint inside the dryer's case
- Little or no air comes out outside
Handyman says: Torn duct? I'll find a vent pro.
Free for every home. Handyman asks a few questions, then books a pro it trusts.
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