How to Install an Outdoor Lint Trap on a Dryer

Disconnect the vent pipe transition from the back of the dryer as directed in the dryer instruction manual.

Insert a leaf blower tube into the vent pipe from the bottom, seal the joint with a rag, and turn the machine on to blow as much lint as possible out of the vent to the outside.

Push a wet/dry vacuum hose into the outside vent cap. Turn the machine on and work the hose in and out as far as possible to clear out any remaining lint inside the duct.

Cut out a 6.5-inch section from the exhaust duct leading up from your dryer, at eye level, with a pair of tin snips. If you the dryer is fitted with non-UL approved flexible vinyl tubing, replace all the ductwork between the dryer and the outer vent cap with 4-inch-diameter smooth galvanized metal tubing; this will lower the chances of a duct fire and reduce the pressure drop inside your exhaust vent.

Reconnect the dryer exhaust transition. Slide the lower inlet tube of a secondary lint trap into the precut duct leading up from your dryer as directed in the lint trap installation instructions. Rotate the lint trap so that the transparent spring-loaded inspection panel faces the front of the dryer.

Insert the lint trap exhaust outlet tube into the upper section of the existing galvanized metal ductwork.

Seal all ductwork joints securely with adhesive aluminum foil tape.