My dryer exhaust goes out of my laundry room, into my attic, and runs for about 15 feet before it gets outside. Over time the lent has built up quite a bit. What is the best way to clean this? The sections in the attic are connected via duct tape.
If this isn't an easy task, what type of local places would do this service. Would heating and air conditioning places have this type of service?
You can probably do it yourself cheaper than hiring it out. You could try something like this vent cleaning system. It seems to have fairly good reviews on Amazon, and for $25 it's worth a shot. It claims to have a 12' reach and the ability to navigate turns in the vent, so you may have to go at the last 3' from the other end.
Note: You'll need a drill to attach it to. A shopvac would also be helpful, but if you don't have one, the kit includes an attachment to use with your dryer.
You're supposed to clean your dryer duct once a year or so to prevent a fire hazard.
The standard thing to clean a dryer duct is a brush with a long flexible handle. They make ones specifically sized for dryer ducts. Here is a typical one:
Disconnect your dryer and push the vent into the duct. Run it back and forth a few times. Keep a vacuum handy. You will make a mess.
If your duct is vented somewhere on the ground level, you could easily sweep from both ends. Since it sounds like yours vents to the roof, you will probably want to sweep from the inside only. However, you should probably check out the outside vent to make sure it isn't plugged, and opens/shuts properly.
If your duct has a lot of sharp bends or is very long (longer than the brush handle can reach), you will need to disconnect sections of the duct and clean them individually.
Once you have swept the ducts, you may also want to think about how you can re-configure the duct to make things easier for next time. Your dryer duct may not be up to code either (many homes are not).
I know you already have this problem and are asking about clearing it up. However, to prevent this from happening in the future, consider installing one of these lint traps near the exit of your dryer:
I have one and it seems to work very well. You'll need to pop open the top and clean out the lint every few weeks depending on how much drying you do.
I have used the tool made for dryer vents, my vent goes under my house and across the width of this room. It does take a power drill, and you can buy an extra 12 feet to add to the 12 feet that comes with the kit I found this product in the dryer appliance sections. I has to repeat the process several times actually until it came out clean .
If it doesn't bend, then you could use a chimney brush, which is essentially a long stick with a wire brush on the end.
The chimney service company I had install a liner in my chimney also did dryer vent cleaning. I believe some air duct cleaning companies also do dryer vent cleaning as well.
I know it's a funny answer but I have used a brick with holes in it and a rope tied to it to get the clog out a then used the brushes that was recommended.
Only of course if it is a straight vent from attic.
If the duct is extremely clogged, you will need a professional. The tools for consumers do not have the strength to push through clogs. If the brush gets stuck which is very possible because of joints that are not flush or screws that are not permitted, you will need to hire someone to do an extra job.
