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We have a crawl space with a combination of sandy and clay soil in it. The crawl space is about 3' deep. To eliminate a long dryer vent run, I'd like to vent the dryer directly into the crawl space. We have vents built into the foundation that I open each spring and close in the fall. Will this help dissipate the moisture enough to prevent mold?

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The answers so far indicate you'll be making a long run. (I concur) Just wanted to add, don't make long runs with flex duct, use as much smooth duct as you can. Avoid any more bends than absolutely necessary. – bcworkz Jul 22 '12 at 20:23
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venting into closed spaces will always result in excessive moisture and condensation. DO NOT DO IT. Always vent to out of doors. – shirlock homes Jul 23 '12 at 10:49

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My mother vented her dryer into her basement for warmth down and upstairs (floor, open joists) and never a moisture issue at all. Ran it through a T with a door and had pantyhose on the end. It was very easy to tell when to clean out the pantyhose.

I'm about to do that to mine, it's in an unfinished 2 car garage/shop area. I think it all depends on how many loads you do and size of area it is before I would even wonder about moisture concerns. I have to get parts, maybe I'll post a picture afterwards.

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If it's a gas dryer, absolutely do not do this. You're exhausting fumes into your house. Even if it's electric, this is still a really bad idea. Unless you live in a super-dry climate year-round (antarctic?) you will definitely end up having moisture problems somewhere in that house. – DA01 Jan 29 at 4:57
up vote -3 down vote

I have a large basement and use the dryer only once or twice a week . I really can't see a moisture problem with venting inside . People hang up wet clothes inside don't they ?

The only problem I can see is if you use that stinky stuff , Bounce.

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Try weighing a basket of laundry before and after drying it: that's the amount of water you're venting into your basement. – Niall C. Jan 26 at 23:49
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Vented air from the dryer is full of moisture since it contains water from the clothing being dried. Do not vent it into your crawlspace or basement since you will definitely have moisture problems. After you vent it outside, run the dryer and put your hand over the vent and you will see what I mean.

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And food stock for mold. Despite the lint trap, fiber gets blown anywhere the discharge air goes and deposits as a fine layer all over everything. Natural fiber is a cellulosic food source for fungi and it's associated life form mold which are built to break down plant fiber. So, you're creating the ideal environment for mold growth. Low heat, lots of moisture and food. Enjoy the results. (Yes, lint traps are very inefficient at fiber removal, I already dealt with an attic space where someone had this idiotic idea.) – Fiasco Labs Jan 26 at 19:10
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I doubt it. They might help in the spring when they are open, but definitely not in the fall/winter when they are closed.

Vent it outside to avoid any issues.

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