Why Clean the Lint Filter on the Dryer
A lint filter is designed to collect lint from items you dry in an electric clothes dryer. It's important to routinely clean out the lint to prevent potential problems that can result from a clogged dryer filter, from poor performance to more dangerous issues. Does this Spark an idea?
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Performance Issues
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A lint filter that is clogged with debris will decrease the efficiency of the clothes dryer. When wet items are placed in the dryer, they need enough airflow to remove the moisture. If the lint filter is clogged, the airflow is severely limited, so it will take much longer to dry the clothes. Not only does a dirty lint filter waste time, it also wastes energy.
Fire Hazards
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The built-up lint on the filter can lead to a fire. When the lint builds to the point that there's no more room for it to accumulate on the filter, it will begin to drift down into the exhaust vent pipe where it can eventually ignite and cause a fire. It's important to clean the lint filter after every second load of items that you dry to avoid this potential problem.
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Cleaning Advice
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A quick and easy way to remove the lint from the dryer's filter is to remove it and wipe the filter with a used fabric softener sheet. The lint will cling to the sheet so you can discard it without a mess. You can also vacuum the lint filter with a hose attachment, then vacuum the opening where the lint filter is installed in the dryer.
Extra Help
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You can check the airflow of your electric clothes dryer by lifting the vent hood when the dryer is operating. The vent hood is usually located on the outside wall on the other side of your dryer. If you feel a strong airflow, then the appliance is operating correctly. If the airflow feels weak, then you need to clean the lint filter and possibly the dryer vent pipe or exhaust hose.
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References
- "The Queen of Clean's Complete Cleaning Guide: Banish Dirt from Your Castle Forever With 2,047 Queen-Tested Tips"; Linda Cobb; 2002
- "How to Cheat at Home Repair: Time-Slashing, Money-Saving Fixes for Household Hassles and Breakdowns"; Jeff Bredenberg; 2009
- "Organic Housekeeping: In Which the Non-Toxic Avenger Shows You How to Improve Your Health and That of Your Family, While You Save Time, Money and Perhaps Your Sanity"; Ellen Sandbeck; 2006
