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Dryer vent — clear snow from the outdoor vent hood

Dryer vent

Snow piled against your outdoor dryer vent hood can block the flap and trap damp air. Clear a small, safe path to the hood after each snowfall.

Illustration of an outdoor dryer vent hood on a brick wall with snow cleared from around it
Photo: CoraCo Studio™ original (generated)

Drifting snow can bury the outdoor dryer vent hood. The flap cannot open, damp air stays in the duct, and clothes take extra cycles to dry.

Keep a path to the dryer vent hood after snow

  1. After a snowfall, find the dryer vent hood on the outside wall.
  2. Gently scoop snow away by hand or with a small shovel so the flap swings free. Do not chip at the hood with metal tools.
  3. Leave about a foot of open space around the hood.
  4. Check on a dryer cycle that warm air is blowing out.

If the flap stays stuck, see the ice and stuck-flap guides below before you take the hood apart.

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