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Dryer vent — trim plants away from the outdoor vent hood

Dryer vent

Outdoor dryer vent hood blocked by shrubs or leaves? Trim plants back so the flap opens fully and lint can blow out. Simple yard check for dryer airflow.

Dryer vent: trim plants away from the outdoor vent hood (related household photo)
Photo: Franklin Heijnen / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Shrubs, vines, and piled leaves can press on an outdoor dryer vent hood. The flap cannot open fully, and lint backs up in the duct.

Keep plants clear of the outdoor dryer vent hood

  1. Find the dryer vent hood on the outside wall.
  2. Trim plants so there is about a foot of open space around the hood.
  3. Rake leaves away from the bottom of the hood.
  4. Run the dryer and check that the flap opens and air flows out.

If airflow is still weak with the hood clear, check the duct for lint.

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