Cleaning your dryer vent is a relatively simple task that can save you from possible health issues. If the vent gets blocked, moisture and mildew invade, which can damage your dryer’s motor- to mention a few other side effects of not properly caring for your dryer. Commercial dryers have the same problem, so it follows that you have to clean this type of vent too.
Prevention is always better than cure, and the easiest way to prevent this is to avoid putting items not meant for the dryer into the dryer vent. Avoid using soft-sided or flimsy plastic bags in these vents as they tend to collapse, which results in blockages. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean commercial dryer vents.
1. Gather All Cleaning Supplies
You will need several tools to do the job, so ensure you get the right tools for your particular dryer. Here are the essential tools to gather:
- Electrical or duct tape
- Vacuum with a hose attachment
- Duct cleaning kit
- Broom and dustpan
- Power drill
2. Unplug the Dryer from the Wall and Disconnect the Vent
If using a power drill, ensure you’ve unplugged the dryer. Remove the grill that covers the dryer’s vent opening. Remove any screws connecting the duct to the dryer. The duct should be pulled out from behind the dryer and placed onto a flat surface to clean it later easily.
3. Vacuum the Duct’s Interior and Exterior
If you can, lay the duct on a flat surface. If it is hard to do this, use a vacuum to eliminate the accumulated lint and dust from the interior and exterior of the duct. This part is important because it removes loose particles on the duct’s inner surface, which could block airflow into your dryer. The purpose of vacuuming is to remove as much lint as possible so that air can flow freely through the ducts.
4. Get the Flexible Rods in Your Cleaning Kit and Connect them to the PowerDrill
Use the flexible rods in your kit and connect them to the power drill. The purpose of using these rods is to dislodge any more lint that may have accumulated on the interior surfaces of the ducts. Insert one end of each rod into an opening in the ducts and direct it downward into either side of the vent. Push in gently, then pull back up to dislodge any clogs that may accumulate on these rods. Repeat this procedure until there are no more clogs found.
5. Clean All the Mess Left Behind by the Electrical Drills
If you’re using electric drills, ensure you wear safety gear. It will ensure you don’t get electric shocks or other dangers associated with power drills. Once you’ve finished this procedure, use the broom and dustpan to pick up all the accumulated lint and debris.
6. Check the Exterior Vent
If using an electric drill, you must check the exterior vent and duct to ensure they are clear of any lint or debris. Plug your dryer and check if any signs of overheating or unusual smells come from the inside.
7. Reassemble the Ducts
Once you’re done cleaning, reassemble all the ducts to their original position and connect them back to the dryer. If your dryer has a gas-only vent, connect it to the appropriate gas vent and turn it on. You may also have to wipe the dust from the ducts’ exterior surfaces with a damp rag.
Conclusion
Commercial dryer vents require more care than residential ones and must be cleaned more often. Although cleaning a commercial dryer vent may be more work, it is necessary as it contributes to your appliances’ overall efficiency and performance. Please get in touch with the experts if you’re looking for a duct cleaning solution. Also, you may search for commercial dryers for sale if the one you use is not working effectively.