How to Clean a Dryer Vent in the Wall

The exterior dryer vent is one of the most important parts of a clothes dryer. Often mounted on an exterior wall, this vent is the final part in a conduit for expelling lint and hot air from the dryer. If that wall vent becomes clogged, it can cause the entire exhaust system of the dryer to fail, leading to a broken dryer. Thankfully, a dryer's wall vent is easy to access and simple to clean.

Screwdriver
Claw hammer
Crowbar (optional)
Lint brush or hand vacuum
Duct tape (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Peel back any insulation and unscrew the clamp fastening the large hose from the dryer to the exterior wall vent. Sometimes these hoses are more cheaply attached using duct tape. Remove the tape and then the hose.
- 2
  Go outside and remove the vent from the wall. It is probably fastened into place with screws, but if nails are used, pull the nails gently with a claw hammer or crowbar. If the vent doesn't come out of the wall easily after that, pry it out as gently as possible with the claw-side of your claw hammer or a crowbar.
- 3
  Clean out the interior of the vent, either with a lint brush or a hand vacuum.
- 4
  Replace the vent, restore its nails or screws, and then go back inside the house to re-attach the dryer hose.

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