Cleaning lint from a dryer: Step by step instructions

Purchase a dryer cleaning kit from Walmart, Amazon or a hardware store!

Step 1: Remove lint screen

Step 2: Remove lint from the screen with your fingers

Step 3: Vacuum inside lint trap opening using the flexible hose that attaches to your vacuum cleaner from the kit. Push it in and all the way to the back of the machine. Keep moving it all around to suck up any loose lint.

Step 4: Inspect your lint screen for residue. If you use fabric softener it will build up on the screen so pull it out and wash it occasionally.

Step 5: Make sure the area you are putting the lint screen back into is clean from lint and residue. Put the lint screen back in dryer.

Step 6: Clean other areas where lint may accumulate. Sometimes on the bottom or around the dryer door. Some people take the dryer front off to clean it, but if you use the kit pieces you shouldn’t have to.

Cleaning the exhaust vent

Clean the exhaust vent about once a year. Dryer vents can gather lint, which is a fire hazard.

Unplug your dryer and move it away from the wall. If you have an electric dryer, just unplug the cord.

Clean the dryer duct opening with a brush or use your vacuum nozzle to clean it.

Brush out the inside of the vent hose, using the brush that came in the cleaning kit. Some of the brushes will attach to a drill which will make it easier to turn the brush in the dryer hose.

Then vacuum or brush any remaining debris from the outside vent.

“Why would lots of lint come out of my dryer?”

This happens because of excess dry times and occurs more when you wash fuzzy blankets and such.

“How do I know if my dryer is getting clogged with lint?”

** One of the first signs that your dryer vent is clogged is when your clothes are no longer fully drying during a regular dry cycle.

** Have you noticed a burnt odor coming from your dryer whenever you have a load going?

** Is the dryer’s exterior getting hot while dryer is going?

** Are you seeing sizable amounts of lint?

If you are seeing any of these signs turn the dryer off and clean it right away. Lint is very flammable, and it can catch fire in the dryer and burn your house down. That’s why it is a good policy to never leave your dryer going and leave the house.

Here’s a little tip I came across:

Lint makes great fire starters. This works for people who do a lot of camping, fishing, hiking or hunting, due to the fact that it is waterproof, light and easy to carry in case you need help starting a fire.

Instructions:

• Grab an empty egg carton Fill each of the twelve spots with a pinch of dryer lint, making sure not to overfill it or pack it too tightly.

• Pour melted wax into each ‘cup’, completely covering and saturating the lint.

• Poking it with a knife or fork can help the wax work its way into the lint.

• Set it aside to dry on waxed paper or newspaper (or something similar).