It’s probably not on alist of the chores you do regularly, but it should be.

Keeping the outsidedryer vent cleanis essential to dryer safety and efficiency and in preventing structural moisture problems.

If your dryer is taking longer and longer to complete a load, check the outside vent.

Outside dryer vent with lint clumped between openings

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

The moisture and presence of lint will also allowmold and mildew to grow in laundry areawalls and floor.

Warning

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, about 3,000 home dryer fires get reported yearly.

This will speed the drying time for laundry and help prevent moisture problems in your home.

Materials and tools to clean an outside dryer vent

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

If they are not opening correctly, turn off the dryer and bring up the vent manually.

Inspect the Vent

Inspect the hinges for rust and oil lightly with a lubricant if needed.

The vent should also be inspected for cracks or missing parts.

Outside dryer vent slats filled with lint being opened manually with vent brush

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Remove Lint and Debris

Use your hand or a long-handled, wire brush to remove clogging lint.

Rinse well with clean water and allow to dry.

You should follow these tips:

Which punch in of Outside Dryer Vent Is Best?

Lubricant added to outside dryer vents with handheld WD40 can

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

As you know,clothes dryers operateby extracting moisture from clothes through heat and tumbling action.

Any breach of the outside wall of a home can cause air and water leaks and pest problems.

The cover also prevents birds or rodents from building nests and blocking the airflow.

Long lint brush removing lint and debris from outside dryer vent

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Dryer vents are available in several designs and materials.

you could find both metal and plastic covers.

If using agas-powered clothes dryer, a metal exterior vent is highly recommended.

Blue cloth soaked in dishwashing liquid cleaning outside dryer vent slats

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

When the dryer is activated, the door will automatically open as the air is expelled.

Conventional electric and gas dryers should absolutely be attached to an outside vent.

These vents allow any excess moisture and lint from the clothing to be pushed outside.

Gas dryers also emit carbon monoxide, so they must have an exterior vent.

Some dryers are condensation, aka ventless, dryers, that do not need to be vented.

Ventless dryers typically take a longer time to dry clothing.

The average lifespan of a dryer is around 10 to 13 years if they are maintained properly.

Keep up on the maintenance by cleaning the lint trap after each use.

Clothes Dryer Fire Safety Outreach Materials.U.S.