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Clear a Blocked Clothes Dryer Vent

Clear a Blocked Clothes Dryer Vent

Repair summary

Lint clogs reduce drying performance and are a fire risk. Pull the lint filter every load, and once a year disconnect the rear vent hose and clear it with a dryer brush kit. Vacuum the dryer's lint cavity at the same time.

Likely issue
Lint build-up in the vent hose
DIY difficulty
2/5
Estimated DIY cost
$28
Estimated tradie cost
$180–$320

Tools required

  • Vacuum
  • Dryer vent brush kit
  • Screwdriver

Materials required

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Switch off at the wall and pull the dryer out from the wall.
  2. Lint clogs reduce drying performance and are a fire risk. Pull the lint filter every load, and once a year disconnect the rear vent hose and clear it with a dryer brush kit. Vacuum the dryer's lint cavity at the same time.

Safety warnings

Lint is highly flammable — never use compressed air or a blow torch to clear it. Switch the dryer off at the wall before disconnecting anything.

When to call a tradie

Call a licensed tradie if the work is outside the scope of this guide, involves regulated trades (electrical, gas, structural, waterproofing), or if you discover hidden damage. A professional will typically charge $180–$320.

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