The Simple Dryer Vent Hack My Grandma Swears By

When my grandmother first taught me her dryer vent cleaning method, I was skeptical. No expensive gadgets, no professional service—just a vacuum, a brush, and an old leaf blower she kept in the garage. With a calm smile, she said, “This keeps your dryer running right, keeps your house safe, and costs next to nothing.” And she wasn’t exaggerating.

Many people don’t realize a clogged dryer vent isn’t just annoying—it’s dangerous. The U.S. Fire Administration reports that nearly 2,900 house fires every year are caused by dryers, mostly due to clogged vents. Lint buildup also lowers efficiency, drives up energy bills, and shortens the dryer’s lifespan.

So when Grandma said this was a “must-do,” I listened.