How to Retrieve Lint From a Dryer

Proper care of a dryer lowers fire risk.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, the leading cause of fires in household dryers is failure to clean them. Proper cleaning of a dryer prevents the buildup of flammable lint. Lint removal also allows dryers to operate at maximum capacity while cutting energy cost. The lint screen, chute, vent hose, and the interior of the dryer cabinet need cleaning and maintenance on a regular basis.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum cleaner
• Dryer vent brush
• Screw driver

Instructions

1. Pull the dryer away from the wall. Unplug the dryer from the electrical outlet.

2. Locate the lint screen on top of the dryer box, or on the lip inside the dryer's door. Remove the lint screen and run a hand across the screen picking up all the lint. Dispose of the lint.

3. Insert a vacuum cleaner's hose in the lint screen opening on the dryer. Push the hose down into the dryer chute. Turn the vacuum on and clean the lint from the chute. Remove the vacuum hose and replace the lint screen in the dryer.

4. Locate the vent hose on the back of the dryer. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the clamp binding the vent hose to the elbow protruding from the back of the dryer. Separate the vent hose from the aluminum elbow. Run a dryer vent brush inside the vent house, gently scrubbing the sides of the hose. Remove the loosened lint from the vent hose using the vacuum cleaner. Clean the entire length of the vent hosing.

5. Pull the aluminum elbow loose from the dryer's interior vent opening. Gently scrub the elbow with the vent brush. Vacuum the lint from the elbow.

6. Visually inspect the dryer's interior vent using a flashlight. Remove any larger objects from the vent. Insert the vacuum hose into the dryer though the vent opening. Vacuum accumulated lint from the dryer cabinet and vent opening.

7. Push the elbow back into the dryer. Slide the vent hose on the elbow and tighten the clamp around the hose with the screwdriver.

8. Vacuum any lint off the back of the machine and the area surrounding the dryer. Plug the dryer in and push it back in place.

9. Locate the exterior dryer vent. Unscrew the vent cover. Vacuum the cover and interior of the vent tube. Replace the vent cover.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean the lint screen after each use.

• Clean the entire dryer at least once a year.

• Use caution when pulling a gas dryer forward.

• Professional assistance is best for extremely long vent hoses .

References

• National Fire Protection Associate: Clothes Dryer Safety