Making sure your dryer and the vents are clear of any lint is critical to the safety of your home. In addition to safety, a clean vent system will allow your clothes to dry faster, place less strain on your dryer, all saving you money and time. Take just a few minutes to walk outside and look at where your dryer vent exits your home. Does your vent loo like the one pictured below? If so, Take action now! Vents like this at best can double or triple drying times, and at worst (and commonly) cause fires.
Most styles, the louvers can be removed and the lint removed by hand or with a vacuum hose. Make sure the entire vent line is clear before replacing the louvers. When you are done, the vent should look like new, as pictured below.
Be sure to use a vacuum inside and around the dryer itself to remove lint trapped in the system. the pictures below show some of the key locations to clean. They also show some of the wands and brushes available
Following are some links to cleaning kits available at most big box stores.
