How to Collect Dryer Lint

Dryer lint is essentially debris that comes off of clothing, blankets and other fabric items. Dryer lint is a very soft substance that resembles the feel of pillow stuffing. Dryer lint cleaning is a very important task to routinely perform because the lint is very flammable and can cause a fire. Also, your dryer can run hotter than normal due to lint build up inside vents and in the chassis. With proper dryer lint cleaning, you can help prevent a fire from occurring in your home.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum with hose attachment
• Dryer lint brush
• Feather duster
• Broom and dustpan

Instructions

1. Remove the dryer lint trap. Gently take your fingers and peel off the dryer lint from the trap. The debris should peel off in a sheet. If it comes off in a smaller piece, mold the piece into a ball and use it to swipe up the remaining lint.

2. Use your vacuum hose to gently vacuum inside where your lint trap sits. Reach in as far as possible down in the chassis to collect as much dryer lint as you can.

3. Take your dryer lint brush and thread it into where your lint trap normally sits. Swish it back and forth for additional dryer lint cleaning. Refer to your lint brush packaging for additional instructions if needed.

4. Move your clothes dryer out slightly from the wall. Take your vacuum hose and suck as much dryer lint out from under and behind the dryer as possible. Use your feather duster to remove any additional debris from under the dryer. Vacuum carefully around electrical outlets to remove lint and cobwebs.

5. Check the dryer lint vent outside to insure there is no debris blocking the flow, which can cause a dryer to run hot and cause a fire. Vacuum around the portal hole.

6. Collect the debris from the vacuum canister and sweep up any that remains on your laundry room floor. Dispose of all dryer lint in the trash to prevent a fire.

Tips & Warnings

• Remove dryer lint from the trap after each use. Thoroughly clean debris under the trap, under and behind your dryer every three to six months.

• Consider replacing your dryer duct hose if it is made from plastic or flimsy foil material. These materials damage very easily and can prohibit proper airflow, which can result in the appliance overheating or catching fire. Buy a stronger metal dryer duct hose as a replacement.

• Consider hiring a company that has special equipment, known as a jet snake, to clean your duct hose annually to aid in fire prevention.

References

• Consumer Product Safety Commission: Overheated Clothes Dryers Can Cause Fires

Resources

• Dryer Vent Solutions: Outside Dryer Vent Cleaning