Comments on: How to Properly Clean A Dryer Lint Trap

on 6/5/2008 great idea

on 4/9/2008 DrPete: If you change your plastic tubing every couple of years, you still need to be aware of the build up in the duct under the lint trap. A lint brush designed for dryers is an economical way to get at some of the lint in the duct work. Annually detaching the tubing, cleanning it, and replacing it keeps it pretty clean and clear. Cleaning the duct under the lint trap with a lint brush designed for that purpose, also helps to keep lint and possible fire at a minimum.

on 4/8/2008 I like this article, thanks for letting us know. This is very important.

on 4/8/2008 DrPete - it sounds like you are confusing the front lint trap with the large lint hose in the rear of the dryer. The small front lint trap should be cleaned after every use by just running your fingers around the lint until it balls up and comes off. The more thorough cleaning described in this article for the small front lint trap only needs to be done 2 or 3 times a years if you use liquid fabric softener in the washer. (any brand but Downey - it's too thick and really mucks up the washer do not use it)

If you use dryer fabric sheets, then at least every 6-8 weeks as the powder from those sheets can clog the mesh and cut down on perfomance.

Those 3 ft long things are for reaching down under neath the front lint trap as it seems some lint always gets through it. The large lint hose in back should be checked 3-4 times a year for a family of 4 or more, and less for a couple or sin

on 4/7/2008 Wash with soap and water ---- pour water over your lint trap and see if the water runs through. If not, you need to wash it clean. Softener builds up on the lint trap and clogs it.

on 4/7/2008 I think you went a little overboard on the amount of dryer lint you show in the photo just to make a point. I also believe there should be more to cleaning the lint trap farther down that just the screen trap. A long dryer lint trap brush should be used.

on 4/7/2008 I don't believe a dryer could even function with all that lint you show in the photo. i think you over did the photo a bit to try to make the point!

on 4/7/2008 great tips! I have heard of dryers catching on fire before. It is not enough just to scoop out lint between dryer uses. Great way to save energy and get your clothes to dry faster as well, Thanks!

on 4/7/2008 great tips! I have heard of dryers catching on fire before. It is not enough just to scoop out lint between dryer uses. Great way to save energy and get your clothes to dry faster as well, Thanks!

on 4/7/2008 Thanks! In Step Two I also use a soft scrub brush to gently work the soap into the mesh and then rinse it out to be sure water flows easily through the mesh. And then the dryer air will, too!

on 4/7/2008 Sorry everyone this article wasn't originally meant to help with completely cleaning out your dryer. Its more a quick five minute cleaning for the dryer trap area.

Please search the rest of e-how for information on cleaning the rest of the dryer. I will do some research as well and try to put up an article about it soon.

on 4/7/2008 DrPete,

I think buying the crevice cleaner attachment would be a good investment for your dryer as well as other places you could use it around the house. As for replacng the duct work, I have never heard of anyone doing that every couple years. I wouldn't replace it unless it wasn't functining properly. Clean it out good on a regular basis and you shouldn't run into any serious problems.

on 4/7/2008 Did you leave out a step? How did you get all the lint shown in photo 1 out of the dryer vent? I've looked at a special vacuum attachment in a local appliance place for $12 that looks like a 3 foot long crevice cleaner attachment but not sure if I need that to clean inside my dryer if I just change my duct work between the dryer and outside wall every couple of years.

on 4/7/2008 Use the hose end of a vacuum to clean inside where the lint trap goes as well, not just the trap itself. It's amazing how much lint gets into that cavity.

on 4/7/2008 Some dryers are a bit more stubborn, if you notice constant backups you may have a clogged line. Also if you vent to the outside is more then 10 feet you can run into problems. I also strongly recommend buying a dryer snake that you can use to clear out any debris that is stuck. :)