Chute the Laundry

How to Clean an Outside Dryer Vent

When was the last time you walked outside and took a look at the dryer vent cover and how well it is opening on an outside wall of your home? It's probably not on a list of the chores you do regularly, but it should be.

Fires that begin from clothes dryers that are clogged with lint are second only to kitchen fires as the leading cause of home fire damage. Accumulated lint and dust lead the list of why laundry room fires occur, far ahead of wiring problems or other issues. While emptying the dryer lint screen after every load is essential to helping your dryer perform more efficiently and preventing fires, a properly installed and maintained dryer vent system is also key.

Why Do I Need to Clean the Outside Dryer Vent? Outside dryer vents can become clogged when lint is exposed to outside humidity. Keep air flowing to prevent fires and keep a dryer working properly.

The simple technique involves very hot water and a mixture of borax, laundry detergent, and washing soda, a chemical compound similar to (though not the same as) baking soda that's often used in homemade laundry detergents. However, not all laundry requires this treatment, and you could actually damage clothing. Here's what you need to know before you get started.

Laundry Stripping Is the Grossly Satisfying Way to Get Linens Extra Clean Here's what you need to know before you try it.