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Few household chores are as important as cleaning the lint trap in your clothes dryer every laundry day. If you missed the memo, lint is highly flammable. When it collects inside the dryer, dryer screen, or dryer vent, heat has fewer ways to escape. That trapped heat can raise temperatures well beyond normal levels.
Over time, this creates a real fire risk, especially when air flow is restricted by lint buildup in the screen or vent pipe.
A detail that most people don't realize: A lint screen can appear clear and still block air flow. How? During the dryer cycle, dryer sheets and fabric softeners often leave behind a thin, waxy film. This film catches fine fibers. As the coating grows, it slows air movement and makes the dryer run hotter.
Deep cleaning your lint trap is a chore you can do today. After today, deep clean monthly. It'll improve efficiency, reduce energy costs, and lower the fire hazard risk.
1. Locate the Lint Trap
The dryer lint trap is either inside the dryer door rim or on top of the appliance. Whether a front-loading or top-loading style, the lint trap is a narrow slot that holds the lint screen.
2. Remove the Lint Screen
Slowly pull the lint screen out of the lint trap. It should slide out easily but if you aren't careful you may knock a clump of lint into the lint trap cavity where it's harder to clean.
3. Peel Away Visible Lint
- Using your fingers, peel away any visible lint accumulated on the surface of the lint filter.
- If it's a thin layer, you may want to moisten your finger so that the lint sticks and pulls away from the screen more cleanly.
Tip: Keep a microfiber cloth at your clothes dryer to easily wipe up any dust that the lint spills.
4. Use a Soft Brush or Vacuum
You can quickly clean the crevices of your lint screen by brushing it with a soft-bristled lint brush or even gently using a vacuum or shop vac with a crevice vacuum attachment.
Lint can vary in color from pale grey to dark blue so it helps to be thorough to clean any fine powder or residue that might blend in on the dryer filter's mesh screen.
5. Clean After Every Load
First and foremost, remember to clean the lint trap after every drying cycle. Sometimes we'll even clean it mid-load if the laundry is producing a lot of lint. This is more common with our towels and blankets.
If a load of clothes just doesn't seem to be drying during the usual drying time, check the screen! Different fabrics produce different amounts of lint and can affect dryer performance after just one load.
6. Address Built-up Lint Inside the Dryer
Make sure to check inside the lint trap cavity too! Use a long attachment on your vacuum cleaner to deep clean the narrow compartment. I also find that the lint builds up on the walls behind the trap. If a vacuum isn't enough, you may want to use long tweezers to reach in and peel it away.
If ignored, excessive lint deposits could fill the dryer duct which can cause a fire if it gets clogged.
7. Plan For a Monthly Deep Clean
Once a month, clean the lint screen for residue. Use a soft brush to sweep out the nooks and crannies of the dryer drum and lint trap. Then use a damp cloth or a dry microfiber cloth to thoroughly dust the appliance inside and out. Leave the door open to be sure it's completely dry before reinserting the newly cleaned lint screen back into the dryer.
8. Eliminate Residue
If you still notice a layer of residue on the filters, it may be from fabric softeners or dryer sheets. This can happen despite regular cleaning. If not taken care of, it can cause airflow obstructions, overheating, and even fire risks.
- Mix mild detergent or a splash of white vinegar with warm water. This will be strong enough to cut through the problem.
- Dip a rag or a soft brush in the solution and scrub gently.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- Check for any residue, and repeat the process if necessary.
- Shake it off, and let it air dry completely before returning it to the lint trap.
9. Clean the Dryer Duct
Keeping your lint traps clean is step one. Cleaning the exhaust duct twice a year is step two. This is the exact dryer exhaust vent cleaner that I've used for years, and it works great.
Don't forget: Reading your dryer model's manual can tell you more about specific safety considerations.
10. Make it a Routine
Cleaning your dryer lint screen should be part of your usual laundry routine. Establishing dryer maintenance as a habit improves safety, efficiency, and could lower your energy bill.
