How to Clean Dryer Vent From Outside: DIY 6 Steps to Clean Dryer Vent

How can you clean your dryer vent outside? The dryer vents can become blocked with lint and other debris, which can cause slow drying and even lead to fire hazards. It is possible to clean your dryer vent by removing the exterior vent hood. This will ensure that no lint or debris gets to the outside. You should also turn the dryer on to provide positive airflow. This will make cleaning much more accessible. To avoid common problems with exterior dryer vent cleaning, follow our step-by guide!

What is a dryer vent

The dryer extracts moisture from your laundry using motion and warm air. It needs to be able to remove all the damp air. The dryer vent connects to the dryer and the wall via a duct. It allows the warm air to escape outside. This is the reason you can smell your fabric softener from the outside. Your dryer vent is working! The dryer vent is working correctly. We don’t recommend cleaning dryer vents that are located on the roof. You can either hire a professional or clean the dryer vent from within.

How to clean dryer vent from outside: Things you must learn

It is a great way to clean your dryer vent from the outside. Because you’re cleaning it from the outside, the lint will be blown outside, which won’t affect indoor air quality. The most important thing to remember is that the dryer vent must have adequate airflow to allow it to clean properly. Airflow can be generated by the dryer running or produced by a leaf blower (for greater power). Negative air pressure is required to clean dryer vents. This will cause lint to remain in the dryer, making cleaning the vent more difficult (if not impossible).

Learn more: How to clean dryer vent on the roof

How to clean dryer vent from outside

Tools you’ll need to clean dryer vent from outside.

• Dryer vent cleaning tool: A series of plastic rods with a nylon brush at the end are used to clean dryer vents. The meeting is attached to the drill. This tool can cause rods to become disconnected, the most significant danger. I recommend that you strengthen the joints by taping them. These rods should not become disconnected from the dryer duct. You can also get the pro version dryer vent cleaning tool.
• Cordless Drill: A cordless (or corded) drill is necessary to use the dryer vent cleaning tool. For ease of use, a lightweight and cordless drill would be preferred. A 12-volt drill is sufficient for power, but a 20-volt exercise is better.
• Eye Protection and Mask: As you clean the dryer vent from outside, any lint blown back at you will be thrown towards you and could land on your face. It is recommended to wear a mask and protect your eyes.

Step 1

You can remove the dryer vent hood from the exterior to have access to the outside. Some exterior covers include plastic louvers or cages to keep birds away. This will make it challenging to insert dryer vent cleaning tools. Plastic cages are typically held to the wall by one or two screws. You can remove the louvres if there are no louvres. After removing the exterior cover, I suggest looking inside the duct using a flashlight to check for obstructions. You may be able to reach into the vent and pull out a bird’s nest if it is present.

Step 2

Turn on the dryer to allow positive airflow from the outside. Once you have removed any exterior vent covers (if necessary), you can turn on your dryer. The dryer will apply positive air pressure to the dryer duct to use the dryer vent cleaning tool. You can even cause a blockage if you don’t turn on the dryer.

Step 3

The dryer vent cleaning tool can be inserted from the outside, and it should be worked slowly into the duct. The cordless drill will require you to use power for the brush to remove lint from the duct walls. The lint will begin to come out of the dryer vents. You can take your time and continue to insert the dryer vent cleaning tool into the duct. When there is no more lint outside, you will know that the job is complete.

The thud you feel when the dryer vent cleaning tools reach the wall may be something you can also sense. If you hear a thud, the dryer vent cleaning tool is not going any further and has hit the flex conduit. After cleaning the duct, the airflow should be more substantial. You may have a duct disconnect or a stubborn clog if there is not much airflow. If there is minimal airflow, it is a sign that you have a fire hazard.

Step 4

Install the exterior hood cover to keep pests and birds out. Check that the flaps and louvres are functioning correctly. The flaps are open when the dryer’s on and close when off.

Step 5

You can access the flex conduit by pulling the dryer back. The flex duct is a short length that runs from the dryer to the wall and is typically only a few feet long. Check for damage and remove all lint from the Flex duct. You must clean the flex conduit after cleaning it from the outside. Lint can build up and cause a blockage. These flex ducts can also become crushed, so check for any damage. Most likely, the flex duct has a clamp or metal tape that connects to its wall elbow. You can simply remove the clamp and pull the duct off the wall. It is time to replace damaged or broken ducts.

Step 6

Install the flex conduit to the wall. You can remove a clamp and put it back on. Make sure it is tight. I recommend covering it with aluminum/metal tape to seal the clamp. Reposition the dryer in its original position. When pushing the flex vent back, it is important not to crush it. You can’t clean the dryer vent and crush the flex vent simultaneously. It will appear as if there is a blockage in the system if you destroy the flexible duct. To ensure that the dryer doesn’t get crushed, you might use the end of the broom.

How to clean your dryer vent from the outside

Most people are familiar with the lint in your dryer’s lint trap. But that’s not all. Lint can also build up your dryer’s air conditioner as it cycles through the laundry to dry clothes. This lint is then carried through the dryer vent, where it collects. If you don’t know how to clean your dryer vent from the outside, it can become inefficient and dangerous. If your dryer cannot flow correctly, your laundry will take longer to dry. A blocked dryer vent can eventually lead to a hazardous fire.

Tips

The lint trap is the key to keeping your dryer’s exhaust vent clean. If you use dryer sheets, clean the dryer’s lint trap every time you run it. This is crucial. This will help to maintain a clean dryer vent. It will also keep your dryer’s performance high, increase drying time, and reduce the possibility of house fires. It’s essential to keep your dryer clean and dry. Never leave your home after turning on the dryer. A dryer fire can start even if you aren’t home. Always allow your dryer to breathe. You should avoid putting clutter or storage items around dryers.

Conclusion

Sometimes drying vents can be difficult to clean, but it is necessary. Clogged dryer vents can cause a fire or take too long to dry clothes. If you have a dryer vent cleaning device (a professional one), you can clean the outside of your dryer as long as you have airflow. While you’re cleaning, the lint should be blown outside.