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Dryer vent cleaning kits contain brushes, necks, or vacuum attachments that snake their way into the tight spaces of the dryer vent to remove lint. All it takes is too much heat or a single spark to turn trapped, dry lint into a tinderbox. The U.S. Fire Administration reports 2,900 clothes dryer fires each year. A well-maintained clean dryer vent is one way to prevent these kinds of accidents. Dryer cleaning kits contain tools that can reach into the vent and suck, pull, or lift out collected lint. We tested the top 8 products to help you choose the right one for your needs.
The best dryer cleaning kits have tools with the flexibility and strength to repeatedly enter the vent and remove debris. Our top pick was the Gardus LintEater Rotary Dryer Vent Cleaning System thanks to its versatile use and wide selection of adapters. You’ll want to decide on whether brushes, vacuum attachments, or some other method will work best for your dryer setup. A quality kit will have the strength and durability to last through several cleanings, if not several years. And so no lint is left behind, the best dryer vent cleaning kit will have the ability to reach deep, flex, and bend.
- BEST OVERALL: Gardus LintEater Rotary Dryer Vent Cleaning System
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Holikme 2-Pack Flexible Lint Brush Dryer Vent Cleaner
↓ Jump to Review - LONGEST REACH: Holikme 30-Foot 11-Piece Dryer Vent Cleaner Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FLEXIBILITY: Vanitek Dryer Vent Cleaner Lint Brush
↓ Jump to Review - BEST VACUUM ADAPTER: Sealegend Vacuum Hose Dryer Vent Cleaner Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR POWER TOOLS: Smart House Inc Dryer Vent Cleaner Kit
↓ Jump to Review - FOR VENTS/CONDENSER COILS: Vacext Dryer Vent Cleaner Kit & Condenser Coil Brush
↓ Jump to Review - MOST VERSATILE: Holikme 2-Piece Dryer Vent Cleaner Kit
↓ Jump to Review
How We Tested the Best Dryer Vent Cleaning Kits
Our test team thoroughly reviewed these dryer vent cleaners. Each kit was used to clean the dryer downspout at least twice, with around five loads of laundry between each cleaning attempt. We took note of how easy each product was to maneuver and how effective they were at collecting extra lint.
We gave equal importance to how easy the kits were to assemble as well as their durability and ability to clean other household items.
Lastly, we followed the manufacturers’ directions and proceeded to clean dryer ducts to assess their effectiveness at handling deep clogs, using any attachments that came included with the kits. Each of our top recommendations can help shoppers tackle their dryer vents, with a range of options to suit most needs.
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 8 |
| Time spent testing | 6 hours |
| Tests performed | 6 to 7 |
| Price range | $10 to $30 |
Our Top Picks
The brands and kits in our lineup stand out for their quality and cleaning ability. We included kits of different lengths, sizes, and a wide variety of attachments to meet the needs of different dryers and home designs.
Best Overall
Gardus LintEater Rotary Dryer Vent Cleaning System
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Maximum length: 12 feet
- Number of pieces: 10
- Brush type(s): Lint and auger
Pros
- Versatile uses including suction or blowing; comes with a brush for loosening lint
- Flexible rods can handle 90-degree bends with ease
- Wide selection of adapters and attachments to suit most cleaning jobs
- Durable and flexible materials can last through several heavy uses
Cons
- Rods may require tape to keep them secured, especially when using more than 2
- Instruction photos are in black and white
You don’t need to have experience cleaning dryer vents to use the Gardus LintEater system. The kit includes every tool to clean a dryer vent that you could possibly need: up to 12 feet of flexible rods, two brushes, two adapters, and a blockage removal tool. Our dryer duct is only 3 feet long and didn’t appear to have any major blockages, so we only needed two rods, the auger brush, and our drill. The extension rods screwed together easily and attached to the drill with little effort. The instructions recommend securing the rod joints with electrical tape, but we tested without taping and the rods didn’t come undone, even with two 90-degree bends in our ductwork. We found that as long as the drill is run in the forward (clockwise) position and at a medium speed, the rods remain securely attached to each other and can handle the bends without coming apart. In less than 5 minutes of runtime, the brush was able to clean the entire 3-foot duct, including its side walls. After testing from the outside, we headed in and cleaned the dryer’s lint tray with one rod attached to the larger brush. This only took a minute to clean, so we plan to repeat every so often between loads.
My husband is a contractor and maintenance director for more than 200 apartment units over 20 properties. Several of those properties contain communal laundry rooms, so dryer maintenance is a common task for him and his crew. After trying it out for himself, he gave the Gardus two thumbs up. “The kit came with the right attachments, had durable brushes, and did a good job cleaning dryer vent ducts,” he says. “The dryer is blowing air better than ever before.”
Get the Gardus dryer vent cleaning kit at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.
Best Bang for the Buck
Holikme 2-Pack Flexible Lint Brush Dryer Vent Cleaner
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Effectiveness 3/5; Durability 3/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Maximum length: 29 inches
- Number of pieces: 2
- Brush type(s): Auger
Pros
- Simple, easy-to-use design that’s great for cleaning the top and door vents
- Good reach in a single brush; ideal for narrow openings
- Made using durable stainless steel and a wood handle
Cons
- Not as efficient for cleaning the duct hose
This basic Holikme kit has two auger brushes, each with a 4.75-inch wood handle and a 29-inch wire brush, and bristles that take up 13 inches of that wire. The wire has a good mix of flexibility with the strength to really attack lint. Each wire ends with a plastic cap to protect the finish of the dryer.
The brushes are narrow, helping them to fit in the narrow door and top vents. You can use them to clean the dryer’s back vent, but you’ll need to dig around to pull everything out. The downside with this kit is that it doesn’t work as well for duct cleaning.
Get the Holikme lint brush dryer vent cleaning kit at Amazon.
Longest Reach
Holikme 30-Foot 11-Piece Dryer Vent Cleaner Kit
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Maximum length: 30 feet
- Number of pieces: 11 components and 22 connecting rods
- Brush type: 2 lint, 1 auger
Pros
- Variety of attachments and brush sizes/types make it suitable for any type of dryer vent and length of duct hose
- Connectors can be added as necessary to reach inside dryer hoses of varying lengths
- Slim vacuum attachment allowed us to get deep inside the dryer lint slot for a thorough cleaning
Cons
- Instructions were lacking; we had to watch several YouTube videos to see how to safely clean the duct hose outside our house
- Use of a drill is suggested for a thorough cleaning, although this is only hinted at in the sparse instructions
- Narrow vacuum hose is prone to clogging; we needed to remove it several times to clear lint
The Holikme 30-foot dryer vent clean-out kit comes with everything necessary to keep your dryer vent clear of lint. Because it comes with 36 individual pieces, we expected to find detailed instructions included, but that was not so. We watched two YouTube videos to see how the process worked. After tightly connecting 10 of the extenders and then attaching the auger brush, we inserted the brush into the exterior dryer hose opening. While we opted not to use a drill (some users mentioned concerns with having the connectors separate in long lengths of ductwork), we were still impressed with the amount of lint we were able to remove simply by rotating the brush clockwise several times.
Next, we used the slimmer of the two lint brushes to clean around inside the opening of our dryer vent slot. We removed a satisfying amount of lint, even though we regularly clean out the lint trap. Finally, we attached the narrow hose to our vacuum so we could get deep inside the lint trap slot. The narrow hose worked great to remove several years’ worth of accumulated lint. The included grabber tool was fun to use, and it allowed us to reach inside the vent to retrieve several lost coins. We were impressed with this kit, and we’ll use it again.
Get the Holikme 30-foot dryer vent cleaning kit at Amazon.
Best Flexibility
Vanitek Dryer Vent Cleaner Lint Brush
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 3.5/5; Durability 3/5; Value 4.3/5
Product Specs
- Maximum length: 26 inches
- Number of pieces: 1
- Brush type(s): Lint
Pros
- Very simple to use; it’s just a long brush
- Flexible enough to fit around awkward corners and angles
- Long bristles help catch more lint in difficult places
Cons
- Plastic handle does not seem very durable; may wear out over time
- Can be difficult to clean after you’ve removed the lint from your dryer
This is a straightforward lint brush with nothing fancy about it. During testing, it was clear how to use it, which we were thankful about because it came with no instructions or documentation. The plastic handle felt a little flimsy and we suspect it wouldn’t stand up to frequent use throughout the years, but the budget-friendly price point seems adequate for an occasional dryer vent cleaning tool. It measures 26 inches long including the handle, and the brush extends for 24.25 inches of it. We did appreciate the length of the bristles, which were thick enough to help pick a lot of finer particles lurking in our dryer vent.
The flexible wire brush easily maneuvered around the crevices of our vent, and the wire is thick enough to withstand some rougher treatment (we tried jamming it around some tight angles to see if it would break, and it held strong). We do wish it was a little easier to clean the brush itself after use. Smaller dust particles get quite stuck in there and can make a mess when trying to clean it out of the brush. That said, a solid vacuum cleaner can make short work of the cleanup.
Get the Vanitek dryer vent cleaning brush at Amazon.
Best Vacuum Adapter
Sealegend Vacuum Hose Dryer Vent Cleaner Kit
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Durability 3.5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Maximum length: 32 inches
- Number of pieces: 3
- Brush type(s): N/A
Pros
- Vacuum adapter attaches to most standard vacuum hoses
- Long 32-inch hose can reach really far into the dryer vent
- Ability to use suction helps speed up the cleaning job
Cons
- Not all vacuum hoses will fit onto the adapter (check yours before purchasing)
- Guide wire can be a little tricky to get the hang of maneuvering
Setup of this kit was very simple, and we appreciated the universal connectivity of the vacuum hose attachment, which seemed wide (and narrow) enough to accommodate most vacuum models. That said, it didn’t fit our handheld Dyson because the end of the hose had a thick connector that refused to squeeze inside the adapter. Luckily for our tests, we had another vacuum at hand, which worked perfectly.
During use, we really noticed a significant amount of dust being scooped up using the suction from the vacuum, which we suspect would otherwise have stayed in the dryer vent had we only used regular brushes. The 32-inch hose was very flexible and seemed more than long enough for our dryer exhaust cleaning, plus the rigid guide wire can be attached or removed depending on user preference (we found it easier to maneuver the hose without the wire, but it did come in handy for shoving the hose deeper into the vent when needed).
The limitations of this kit is how short the hose is compared to other options. However, the suction capability may help coax more dust to travel down the ducts anyway, so it wasn’t a deal-breaker for us.
Get the Sealegend dryer vent cleaning kit at Amazon.
Best for Power Tools
Smart House Inc Dryer Vent Cleaner Kit
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 3.5/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Durability 4.5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Maximum length: 30 inches
- Number of pieces: 26 (brush, electrical tape, drill bit, 23 plastic segments/bendable rods/extenders)
- Brush type: Lint
Pros
- Rods are bendable yet sturdy enough to make 90-degree turn without breaking
- Inclusion of 23 extenders (16 inches each; a total length of 30.66 feet) will accommodate most users
- Much easier to turn when used with a drill vs. manual operation; drill bit included
Cons
- Screw assembly doesn’t feel totally secure without reinforcement using electrical tape, but tape is included
- Large lint brush head is hard to turn manually, making its use a bit limited without a drill
As renters, we’ve never cleaned our dryer vent, despite living in this house for over 10 years. Yet after an hour of testing with the Smart House Inc dryer vent cleaning kit, all we ended up with was a bunch of dust and a small handful of fuzz.
For our dryer air duct cleaning, we needed to get about 26 feet of length (the kit’s max is 30 feet) and traverse a 90-degree elbow. Our dryer sits in a narrow 7-foot-wide basement utility room, so we opted to connect the 16-inch bendable rod extenders to the lint brush one by one as we fed in the brush. The 23 screw-together segments were super easy to use, but the junction they created didn’t feel totally tight. The manufacturer includes electrical tape, and we took the time to apply it to each connection to ensure they were sturdy.
Thanks to a bit of tape, we were no longer terrified we’d inadvertently twist the brush the wrong way and disconnect one segment from another deep inside the vent. Ready to clean, we inserted the included drill bit into our compact 20V Dewalt cordless drill, and the brush rotated effortlessly. The option to attach this kit to a power tool made all the difference. With such a long dryer vent pipe and a hard angle to contend with, we just couldn’t get enough leverage to turn the brush manually. For those with similar setups, a kit like this one from Smart House Inc is the way to go, especially for cleaning a dryer vent pipe.
Get the Smart House Inc dryer vent cleaning kit at Amazon.
For Vents/Condenser Coils
Vacext Dryer Vent Cleaner Kit & Condenser Coil Brush
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Durability 5/5; Value 3/5
Product Specs
- Maximum length: 29 inches
- Number of pieces: 6
- Brush type(s): Slim lint brush
Pros
- The narrow lint brush is effective for removing lint inside the lint trap slot
- 2 included vacuum adapters provide versatility to fit many types of vacuums
- The narrow brush and slim vacuum attachment can also be used to clean under the refrigerator and remove dust from around a refrigerator’s condenser coils
Cons
- Adapters don’t fit all vacuum models, so be sure to verify which model you have before ordering this kit
- Our kit was missing the vacuum adapters, so we were unable to test the vacuum feature
The Vacext cleaning kit comes with only one lint brush, but the kit as a whole works well for dryer vents, condenser coils, and cleaning under appliances that are otherwise hard to access. We used the slim 29-inch flexible lint brush to clear out our lint trap slot inside the dryer, and we also used the brush on the vent opening on the outside of our house. The brush can clean around a refrigerator’s condenser coils to help keep your refrigerator cooling properly, and a flexible tube can attach to a vacuum to give dryer vents a deep cleaning.
Although the kit is meant to come with multiple vacuum adapters (including one made specifically for Dyson vacuum models), our kit arrived without a single adapter. For this reason, we were unable to test the accessories included, although the very slim vacuum attachment looked like it would be useful for removing lint deep inside a dryer vent slot. However, we did enjoy using the slim brush to clean behind our refrigerator and remove 10 years’ worth of dust from the coils.
Get the Vacext dryer vent cleaning kit at Amazon or Vacext.
Most Versatile
Holikme 2-Piece Dryer Vent Cleaner Kit
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Durability 3.5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Maximum length: 44.5 inches (hose attachment), 30 inches (brush)
- Number of pieces: 2
- Brush type(s): Lint
Pros
- Easy to use and more effective than other methods of cleaning
- Sucked up lint as well as coins and other small objects
- Although some reviewers noted that the cleaning process was noisy, we did not find that to be an issue
Cons
- It was a bit difficult to affix the attachment to our vacuum cleaner hose
- The collected lint clogged in the area where the hose attaches to the vacuum and had to be cleared
For years, our method of removing lint, coins, and other small objects from inside the dryer lint trap involved sticking long wooden spoons down into the area. Needless to say, this didn’t get the job done very well. But the Holikme two-piece dryer vent kit made cleaning so much easier (and satisfying). Hooking the attachment onto the vacuum hose was a bit tricky, but the ease of that task will certainly vary with the vacuum cleaner brand and style. Once attached, it stayed secure and in place, and we were able to reach all the way to the bottom of the empty lint trap to collect the gunk that’s become trapped over the months.
We alternated between the brush and hose, using the brush to loosen the lint and the hose to suck it up, which worked well. It seems using both pieces of the kit was key for the best results. The hose even sucked up long-forgotten coins that had slipped out of pockets during a drying cycle months ago. The adapter portion did become clogged with lint after a while, but it could be easily cleared and then reapplied to the vacuum hose (with a little bit of elbow grease). We also used the tools to clean refrigerator coils and underneath the family room couch. We’re sure we’ll find many uses for this tool kit in the months to come. Overall, for the price, this product is a great cleaning tool with lots of versatility.
Get the Holikme 2-piece dryer vent cleaning kit at Amazon or Walmart.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Dryer Vent Cleaning Kit
Dryer vent cleaners come in a wide range of designs, from different brush heads to lengths and adapters. The dryer design and how you’d prefer to clean the vent will help you narrow down the features that will work best for your dryer and setup.
Number of Attachments
Kits with more attachments provide extra options for dryer duct cleaning and potentially can be used for cleaning jobs that go beyond the dryer. For those who really only want a single tool to do a quick clean of the vent, a kit with a single flexible brush will work.
However, for those who want to reach deeper into the dryer or have a vent with areas of different widths that need cleaning, a kit with several brushes and lengthening attachments will work better. Traditional attachments include:
- Lint trap brush: These brushes have wider uniform bristles that may consist of closely concentrated rows or several rows with more distance between them. These bristles attract lint so that it sticks to the bristles for easier removal.
- Auger brush: This type of dryer vent cleaner has bristles in a spiraling pattern. When the brush is twisted, the bristles dig into the lint like an auger to loosen and remove debris.
- Extension pieces: Some kits include extension pieces that can reach over 45 feet. The top and door vents may only need 18 to 24 inches, but to clean a duct hose, you might need several feet.
- Vacuum attachment: These dryer duct cleaning kit tools connect to a vacuum handle or hose to use suction to remove lint. They can be hard plastic vacuum attachments or flexible hoses.
- Drill attachment: Some brushes can connect to a power drill. The drill then rotates the brush to sweep lint out of the dryer.
- Adapters: Vacuum hoses and handles come in many sizes. Adapters help the lint cleaner fit several size vacuums. However, check the dimensions and/or models the adapter fits to make sure it will suit your vacuum.
Kits may include one or two of these attachments in several different sizes. Others will only have one type of attachment. If you want a kit that will do more than dryer ventilation cleaning, a kit with several attachments increases versatility.
Flexibility
Dryer vents take unpredictable twists and turns. A flexible brush, wand, or extension piece can bend around corners and into nooks and unseen crannies. The brush or wand needs to be able to flex while maintaining enough resistance to remove the lint.
Wires and flexible plastic work well. Some brushes have a wood handle with a flexible wire that does the serious bending. Also, watch out for wire thickness: Thin wire may bend and break, while thicker wire or two-strand wire will maintain strength and shape.
Brush Length
Brush length varies by design. These designs come with several extension pieces that reach anywhere from 18 inches to more than 40 feet. Some brushes have longer heads that can be covered with bristles for 8 to 30 inches of their total length.
Vacuum attachments and hoses may be anywhere from 18 inches to about 3 feet long. They’re not as long as some of the models that come with extension rods because suction power decreases the longer the hose gets. Drill attachment tools tend to be about the same length as vacuum attachments. At this length, they stay easy to handle and won’t overtax the drill’s motor. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, with the drill attachments reaching well over 3 feet. Caution: The chances of the rod breaking while inside the dryer vent increase the longer the rod gets.
Brush Head Quality
Lint remover brushes have a round head with several rows of uniform-length bristles. These brushes work well for loosening and pushing lint out of a vent. Some have bristles designed to attract lint for easier removal, too. Lint brushes are also used on attachments that connect to a drill because they work well to attract and break up lint deep inside a vent.
Auger brushes have bristles arranged in a spiral so that as the brush twists, the bristles bore into the lint. They tend to be longer with shorter bristles than lint brushes. These bristles are usually found on brushes shorter than about 30 inches. They’re useful for top and door dryer vents that don’t need the extra length.
Vacuum and Drill Compatibility
Compatibility can be a big issue when trying to fit an attachment to a vacuum or drill. Some kits have attachments that are only compatible with one kind of drill bit or vacuum tube size. Others come with adapters that fit several tube sizes, or they may come with several adapters to accommodate a wider range of vacuum makes and models.
If you want a vacuum attachment, measure the diameter of your vacuum tube. Manufacturers list the size of the vacuum tube to which the attachment will fit. Use the same care when looking for a kit that will fit your drill; make sure you already have the drill bit needed to connect the brush. If not, be prepared to invest in a new bit to fit the brush kit if the kit doesn’t include a bit.
FAQs
Using a dryer vent cleaning kit has a fairly shallow learning curve, but those with a few questions on how these tools work may find the answers they need below.
A family of two to four people will want to clean the dryer vent every 6 months. However, if you do more laundry than average or you have a larger family, you may need to clean the vent every 3 to 4 months.
Many modern dryers have sensors that let you know when airflow is compromised. Another indicator is if the dryer doesn’t get warm enough to dry your clothes. Additionally, any burning smell from your dryer may indicate a blocked vent.
No, a quality dryer vent cleaning kit, vacuum, or drill is usually enough to allow you to get the job done yourself.
You clean a dryer vent with bends with flexible tools, like flexible brushes and extension pieces. Some brushes can bend a full 90 degrees to take on the most extreme bends.
Yes, you can use a leaf blower to clean the dryer vent. However, you’ll have to disconnect the vent hose first. You can then position the blower through the house-end of the dryer vent tubing so that when the blower is turned on, the debris blows down the tube and exits outside.
Meet the Testers
The Bob Vila test team is made up of contractors, remodelers, home design enthusiasts, and freelancers from across the nation. Each member is dedicated to delivering high-quality product information to our readers so they can shop with confidence, knowing the products they purchase have been fully tested and vetted.
- Kathleen Corlett is as passionate about crafting quality how-to guides for household projects as she is cleaning, organizing, and building DIY solutions for her own home in New York.
- Kara Illig focuses on online shopping, lifestyle hacks, product research, and sharing the best of everything in BobVila.com’s handy shoppable guides.
- Becky Helzer enjoys the process of testing products from a consumer’s perspective and providing honest feedback.
- Michelle Larson strongly believes in the power of research and reviews for finding quality items that are meant to last.
- Paul Rankin focuses on buyer’s guides for the full range of tools, furniture, DIY supplies, and home and garden products that the Bob Vila team reviews.
- Meredith Towbin loves to watch the birds enjoy the oasis she created for them during the Covid-19 lockdown.
