Kitchen Large Electric Appliances - Leaves in dryer vent

Our dryer wasn't drying properly, so we unplugged and disconnected the flexible aluminum duct which is located BEHIND the wall.

The ducting goes out the rear of dryer, then makes a left turn at wall entrance. It is about 7' to the outside "cover" on exterior wall

Discovered leaves at entrance to dryer itself and as far as we could reach into the duct. Though none at the outside entrance.

Vacum cleaner will not work in this situation, and clothes hanger only went a short distance.

Now there appears to be a burning odor which was NOT there before.

Wondering if we need a professional? Dryer is about 10 yrs old, Hotpoint

Read on this forum about removing the back panel on the dryer, but am not sure our expertise is good enough etc.

Suggestions appreciated

a leaf blower from inside the home blown into the duct work is a good way to remove leaves.

its normal to smell a little burning after moving a dryer. the lint inside could have gotten disturbed and hit the element. smell should go away quickly.

Don't have leaf blower......

maybe can rent?

Is there an appliance store nearby that sells: Hard to Find Items :: Housewares :: Specialty Brushes :: Dryer Duct Cleaning Brush (http://www.hardtofinditems.com/product.php?productid=126)

This is very serious: Overheated Clothes Dryers Can Cause Fires: Safety Alert (http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/5022.html)

I clean mine every 3 months. One house I had to relocate the ducting for a customer, it was plugged all but 1" for 26'. A hint is when it takes a long time to dry a load. Be safe, G

We have a Lowe's about 10 mi, will give them a call.

thanx for suggestion