How to Prevent Dryer Vent Condensation

white washers and dryers
  • 1-2 hours
  • Beginner
  • 25-75
What You'll Need
Dryer-vent brush cleaner
Vent flap or booster
What You'll Need
Dryer-vent brush cleaner
Vent flap or booster

Condensation in your dryer vent can make your clothes take longer to dry, and it can make your home uncomfortably humid. Before spending tons of money on dryer repairs, try fixing this common issue in with the guide below.

Step 1 – Check for Blockages

If your dryer is vented through a longer-than-average vent pipe, or if it's been a while since you've cleaned the vent, you should check for blockages. Lint, mud, and dirt can build up in the vent.

Cleaning Debris

Start by checking the vent on the outside of the house. Clean away any dirt, mud, or debris that may have built up. You can also install a screen on the vent to help keep these nuisances out. Purchase special brushes with long handles made for cleaning out dryer vents to get into the vent pipe deeper and clear away blockages.

Step 2 – Consider Vent Placement

If your dryer is vented into a garage or through an attic, condensation will be more of an issue. Some areas have laws restricting dryer vents to be hooked up through an attic, as it increases the chances of a fire. However, this connection is sometimes the only option in older homes.

Against an Outside Wall

If your dyer is against an outside wall, consider re-venting the dryer directly through the wall to make a shorter path for the air and condensation to travel, making condensation less likely to build up. Or, consider installing your vent through a window for maximum ventilation.

Vented Through Concrete Slab

If your dryer is vented through the concrete slab under the house and back up out of the ground, you dryer will also have more condensation than normal. While this is a harder fix, you should consider re-routing the vent to shorten drying times and extend the life of your dryer.

Step 3 – Install or Replace a Vent Flap or Booster

A dryer vent flap will help to cut back on condensation problems. Vent flaps work by opening when the dryer is running to allow hot air and condensation out of the vent. When the dryer is done cycling, the flap closes.

If a flap has become stuck, or you don't have one at all, you can experience excess condensation. Vent flaps are fairly easy to replace or install. Just follow the directions that come with the product you purchase.

Installing a Vent Booster

Another option is to install a forced vent, or vent booster. Forced vents typically have a fan attached to the vent pipe that helps process air out. The more air that is forced out, the less air is allowed to sit and build condensation. Find vent boosters at most home-improvement stores or specialty internet retailers for less than $200.