The Gardus LintEater Rotary Dryer Vent Cleaning System is a comprehensive kit designed for homeowners to clean dryer vent systems, ensuring safe operation and improved dryer efficiency. The system is endorsed by the Handyman Club of America.
Function Description:
The primary function of the LintEater system is to remove lint and other debris that accumulates in dryer vent systems. This accumulation can lead to reduced dryer performance, increased energy consumption, and a significant fire hazard. The system utilizes flexible rods and various brushes/tools that can be attached to a cordless drill, allowing for rotary brushing to dislodge lint from the vent walls. The loosened lint can then be removed using a shop vacuum, an electric leaf blower, or the dryer's own air. The kit also includes tools for removing blockages like bird nests and for cleaning other areas such as the lint trap, lint screen duct, behind the dryer, and even baseboard heating fins or under refrigerators.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Flexible Rods: The kit includes four 36-inch long flexible rods that screw together, allowing a reach of up to 12 feet from one end of the vent. An optional 12-foot extension kit is available for longer vent runs, providing a total reach of up to 24 feet.
- Auger Brush: A 4-inch self-feeding auger brush is included, designed to make multiple turns within the vent to effectively clean. It attaches to the flexible rods and is driven by a drill.
- Vacuum Adapter: This adapter connects to a shop vac (specifically designed for 2.5-inch hoses) to collect lint while rotary brushing, minimizing mess. It is not recommended for shop vacs or household vacs with 1.5-inch or smaller hoses due to clogging.
- Blockage Removal Tool: This tool is designed to remove heavy blockages, such as bird nests, and can also be used to clear gutter downspouts. It attaches to the flexible rods and is operated by hand or with pliers/wrench.
- Large Lint Brush: A 2.5-inch diameter lint brush with an exceptional 42-inch reach when connected to one flexible rod is included for cleaning larger areas.
- Dryer/Blower Adapter: This adapter safeguards the dryer's blower wheel by preventing the auger brush from entering it when using the dryer's air or an external blower to remove lint during rotary brushing.
- Drill Compatibility: A cordless drill with an adjustable clutch and a 1/2-inch or 3/8-inch chuck is recommended. For drills with smaller 3/8-inch chucks, a drill adapter (1.5-inch long x 5/16-18 threaded stud or bolt with the head cut off) may be required.
- Vent Material Compatibility: The LintEater is designed to clean all types of venting, including white vinyl, foil, rigid, and semi-rigid metal. However, extra care must be taken with white vinyl and foil, and replacement with rigid or semi-rigid all-metal venting is recommended if possible.
Usage Features:
- Drill Operation: Rods should always be rotated in a clockwise direction to prevent them from unscrewing and disconnecting inside the vent. The drill's clutch should be set at halfway or lower to avoid rod breakage or property damage.
- Rod Connection: Rods can be screwed together and tightened with pliers (Option 1) or by using the drill to spin them clockwise while holding the connecting rod (Option 2). Electrical tape or duct tape is recommended around joints for added security.
- Brush Attachment: The auger brush screws onto a rod and is secured with a set screw and hex key. The lint trap brush screws on and is tightened with pliers, with duct tape recommended for security. The lint trap brush is for hand use only, not with a drill.
- Blockage Removal: The blockage removal tool is attached to a rod, threaded with a nut, and tightened with pliers or a wrench. It is inserted by hand and twisted clockwise to grab and pull out blockages.
- Airflow Check: Before cleaning, users are instructed to turn on the dryer and check for airflow at the exterior vent hood. The absence of airflow indicates a blockage that needs to be removed first.
- Cleaning Methods:
- From Outside with Drill: The auger brush and rods are spun into the vent from the exterior with a vacuum/blower running. Rods are added one at a time.
- From Inside with Drill: The auger brush and rods are spun from the inside toward the outside, with the vacuum adapter attached to a shop vac to collect lint.
- Using Dryer Air: The dryer adapter is placed on the back of the dryer, the vent is connected, and the dryer is run while rotary brushing from the outside.
- Using Electric Leaf Blower: An electric leaf blower can be attached to the vent (with the dryer adapter) to blow lint out while rotary brushing.
- Hand Cleaning: The auger brush and rods can be rotated clockwise by hand from either the inside or outside to remove lint. A shop vac, leaf blower, or dryer air should be used simultaneously to remove loosened lint.
- Vent Material Identification: Users are guided to determine vent material (white vinyl/foil vs. rigid/semi-rigid metal) by visual inspection or by tapping a rod inside the vent and listening to the sound.
- Post-Cleaning: After cleaning, the vent system should be reconnected to the dryer, and the dryer should be plugged in and slid back into place. A final check for improved airflow at the exterior vent hood is recommended.
Maintenance Features:
- Regular Cleaning: It is recommended to clean the dryer vent system 3 to 4 times per year.
- Lint Screen Care: The lint screen should be cleaned before every load and washed with hot soapy water and a brush every six months to remove film from dryer sheets.
- Lint Screen Duct Cleaning: The area where the lint screen slides should be cleaned once a week.
- Area Behind Dryer: Lint and debris should be cleaned from behind, underneath, and around the dryer 3 to 4 times a year or more often. The lint trap brush and a vacuum are used for this.
- Dryer Interior Cleaning: While important, cleaning the dryer's interior should only be attempted by those familiar with disassembling dryers or by a professional.
- Other Uses for Lint Brush: The lint brush can be used to clean dust buildup on baseboard heating fins and to reach debris under refrigerators.
- Gutter Downspout Cleaning: The blockage removal tool can be used to clear gutter downspouts.
- Retrieval Tool: In the rare event that rods disconnect inside the vent due to incorrect rotation, a "Retrieval Tool" is available from Gardus, Inc. to grab the brush and pull out the disconnected rods.
- Warranty: All components are warranted for 1 year from the date of purchase against manufacturing defects. Operator error is not covered.
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