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Last Updated: Wednesday, August 20th, 2008, Created: Wednesday, August 20th, 2008
CLEANING
If your duct is made of ridged metal, it is rather easy to clean because you can snake brushes, even rags right through from one side to the other.
If it is made of flexible ducting, plastic or metal, it is a bit more difficult because things tend to get stuck. If it is a straight run, simply take a toilet brush, bend it if necessary to the right size to barely fill the duct, attach it to the end of a broom stick and the trick is done.
If there are a lot of curves, take a bottle brush, bend it to the right shape. Then find a way to snake a light rope through the ductwork, maybe starting with a semi-flexible electrical wire or even a garden hose to get something right through the ductwork, then pull back the rope, then pull through the brush.
When nothing else works, you need to take the duct out, pull it straight and clean it out.
Be aware that a clogged clothes dryer duct will reduce the efficiency of the clothes dryer, and could start a fire.
BOOSTING
If your duct is too long you can add booster fans to the duct, but only ones designed to handle the lint so that they do not become an fire hazard. One specifically made for this job can be found at Continental Fan.com. Look for "Clothes Dryer Boosting".
Keywords: Cleaning, Clothes Dryers, Duct, Dust, Health
Article 1520