How to Safely Clean a Dryer’s Lint Trap

Before loading clothes, pull out the lint trap and clean off the filter. Then replace it making sure it fits securely into the slot. If it the filter frame is cracked or not in correctly it can build up lint inside and possibly cause a house fire.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dryer
• Soap or detergent
• Soft brush, nylon brush or old toothbrush Moisture Sensor
• Cottonball
• Alcohol

1. Pull out your lint trap, clean it then replace it back into its slot properly.

2. Think you did it right? Try again following these steps. Take it to the sink and run hot water over the mesh. Does it drain? Yes, then you are good to go. No, follow the next steps.

3. Wash the lint trap in hot, soapy water and scrub the mesh with a toothbrush or other nylon brush for about 30 seconds. Rinse and make sure the water doesn’t still puddle on the screen. Do this at least every six months. If you do laundry a lot do this more often.

4. Also, newer model dryers have built in moisture sensors. Just like the lint trap, gets coated so does the moisture sensor. Make sure to clean the sensor with detergent and a soft brush then rinse. As for the sensor element, clean it gently with a cotton ball and rubbing alcohol.

Tips & Warnings

• If you cannot see the film on the mesh, it is there so clean it. The film is the waxy film and fragrance that is made on dryer sheets. It builds up on the mesh and clothes.
• Keeping the lint trap clean will help lower your electric bill and increase the life of your dryer.
• Make your own dryer sheets to prevent this altogether. Soak wash cloths in fabric softener for 30 minutes, wring out, hang to dry. Use these in place of store bought dryer sheets.

[amyva]

on 4/24/2009 Very good tip. I'd read somewhere before that doing this improves the drying time and also reduces fire risk. It seems I have to wash my lint trap more often if I've been using dryer sheets regularly...FYI :) 5*, etc!

[joshel]

on 3/29/2009 That is some very good advise

[Gottaloveit]

on 3/28/2009 Great suggestions to safeguard the house from fire. Thanks.

[leaper]

on 3/28/2009 Good information, who knew?

[cosmopinkice]

on 3/28/2009 Great article on how to clean a dryer lint trap. These are very dangerous because it is a common cause of house fires. I know a lady who's house went up in smoke due to not cleaning her dryer lint trap.