How to clean out a dryer vent which exits under the backyard deck

If anyone else has this problem, don't try to take the dryer apart!

I found it's much easier - stick your head in the dryer, and get a good look at the Outlet Grill (Bulkhead Part #32). (If the hyperlink breaks, the Outlet Grill is the part that holds the lint filter). Lint covers up recessed screws on the grill that you need to remove.

Once you get the Outlet Grill off, you have plenty of space to get into the lint duct and clear it out.

You want the shortest distance possible, and for everything except perhaps the dryer connection, you want to use rigid metal tubing rather than the flex tube. The rigid tubing will resist the airflow less and collect less lint. The better airflow from rigid tubing and shortest distance will make the dryer more efficient. If too much lint builds up in the vent, you have a fire hazard in addition to longer drying time.

I'd also suggest having the exhaust somewhere you can reach with a small step ladder to make it easier to clean the vent. So I'd run it down through the floor rather than up through the ceiling, if possible.

Finally, when you install the vent opening in the side of your home, make sure it's weather tight. If it's vinyl siding, you can get a removal tool (it's a flat blade with a hook on the end that pulls two pieces apart). Take off a few pieces where you're working, securely attach the vent, seal around the edges (not sure if Tyvek tape is good enough, they make a rubber adhesive membrane for window openings), install a few pieces of J channel like you have around windows and doors, and cut (measure twice) and reinstall the siding. Vinyl siding screws should remain loose (should be able to slide a fingernail underneath) so that it can expand/contract with heat/cold.