The Benefits of a Clean Dryer Lint Filter

You've probably heard that you must clean the dryer lint trap after every load, but do you know why? We'll discuss the importance of a clean dryer lint filter, how often you should clean yours, and more useful tips.

Why Do You Need a Clean Dryer Lint Filter?

When clothing tumbles around in the dryer, the agitation and high heat cause them to shed some of their fibers. This shedding is commonly known as lint. The lint screen catches many of these fibers to prevent them from obstructing the dryer vent hose.

Starting every load of laundry with a clean dryer lint filter provides the following benefits:

• Lower energy bills: If the screen is clogged with a thick layer of lint, the dryer must work harder to function, pushing your energy bills up. A clean dryer lint screen allows more air to flow out of the exhaust vent for efficient operation.
• Longer lasting dryer: Any time you can take pressure off the machine, you decrease overall wear and tear. This reduces the need for emergency repairs and helps the appliance last longer.
• Shorter drying time: Proper airflow is necessary to dry your clothes in a single cycle. If you continually have to add time to each batch, check the filter. It might be clogged with lint.
• Reduced fire risk: Dryers generate high temperatures, and lint is highly flammable. Remove this fire starter from your laundry room to help keep your home and family safe from dryer fires.

How Often Do You Clean a Lint Filter?

The recommendations you've heard are correct – you should clean the dryer lint filter between every batch of clothes. Get into the habit of removing lint from the screen before or after every batch. Many new electric dryers prompt users to check the filter before starting up.

If you're a camping enthusiast or have a fireplace, you can keep the dryer lint and use it as a fire starter. This reduces waste and saves you money.

How to Find Your Dryer Lint Trap

Not all dryers are built the same. Some have easily accessible lint traps, while others are hidden from view. So, before you can have a clean dryer lint filter, you need to locate it. Here are a few places to check for the lint screen on your new dryer:

• Just inside the door: Open the dryer door and peer just inside. If the lint trap is located here, you might see a small raised handle, which you can pull upwards to remove the lint trap from the slot. You might also see a screen in the shape of a shallow channel, which you can scoop lint out of with your finger.
• On the dryer's back wall: Open the dryer door and look at the back wall for an oblong cutout with holes in it. Insert a finger and thumb into the holes and pull the lint trap from the wall, squeezing both sides open to clean out the lint.
• On the top right corner of the dryer: Check the top of the dryer near where the controls are located. You may see a handle you can pull on to remove the lint screen from its channel.

How to Clean Dryer Sheet Residue from a Lint Screen

If dryer sheets and fabric softener have accumulated on your lint screen, soak the screen in hot water and dishwashing soap designed to remove grease and oil. Gently scrub the screen with a soft brush, rinse it, and let it air dry before reinserting it into the slot.

Call Mr. Appliance^® for Regular Dry Maintenance

An overstuffed lint filter isn't the only thing that can go wrong with a dryer. Lint can build up in the dryer vent and lead to fires. Not having a clean lint filter can worsen lint buildup and other issues.

If your dryer or washing machine has issues beyond the lint filter. We can help. For more laundry room tips, dryer repairs, dryer vent cleaning, or to schedule laundry room services, contact Mr. Appliance today.