How to Remove Lint From an Electric Clothes Dryer
Because lint is highly flammable and accumulates quickly, regularly remove it from your clothes dryer. Lint buildup can prevent clothes from drying properly, cause the dryer to operate more noisily than usual and result in a burning smell emanating from the dryer when it operates. Allowing lint to build up is not only inconvenient, but it can be deadly. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that thousands of dryer lint fires occur each year. This results in deaths as well as millions of dollars in property damage. Fortunately keeping your dryer lint-free is a relatively simple procedure. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Vacuum (handheld or canister/upright with a furniture nozzle attachment)
- Nylon brush
- Long handled wire brush (optional)
Instructions
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1
Locate the lint filter. It is generally near the top of the dryer just inside the door or near the back of the drum. If you cannot locate the lint filter for your dryer, consult the product manual.
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2
Remove the filter, and use a handheld vacuum or a vacuum with a long, thin attachment to remove the lint. It is best to dispose of the lint as it is highly flammable. If lint has fallen into the filter slot, use the vacuum to remove that lint as well.
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3
Fill a sink or clean bucket with warm sudsy water. Soak the lint filter for several minutes, and scrub it gently with a nylon brush. When finished, rinse the lint filter thoroughly, and dry it completely before placing it back in the lint filter slot on the dryer.
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4
Unplug the dryer, move the dryer from the wall and sweep or vacuum the area behind and around the dryer.
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5
Unhook the hose, and clean the inside of it. Use a vacuum or long wired brush for best results. If necessary, clean the inside of the metal tube the hose connects to as lint can accumulate there as well. When complete, reattach the hose and discard of any lint. Plug the dryer in again.
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Tips & Warnings
In addition to cleaning the lint filter, clean the dryer drum periodically. To do this you will have to open the dryer casing. Depending on the model of the dryer, more than one person might be required to complete this task. Check your product manual for further instructions, or if feasible, contact a certified repairman to properly service your dryer.
Dryer fires can occur quickly. Remove lint regularly, and do not operate the dryer if you are away from home.
If you are using a plastic or malleable aluminum foil hose, replace it as soon as possible with stiff aluminum tubing, as recommended by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.
