Tips for Cleaning Dryer Lint

2/23/2021 (Permalink)

Cleaning the dryer lint on a frequent basis is the best way to prevent a lint fire.

Having a washer and dryer in your home is convenient, but improper maintenance can pose a unique fire threat. To prevent a lint fire in your home in Washington, NC, you need to keep the combustible material away from heating elements. The best way to do this is to clean the lint out of the dryer on a frequent basis.

When to Clean the Dryer Lint

After Each Use

Every time you use your dryer, lint builds up on the removable screen. To prevent fire damage, you need to remove the lint at the end of every dry cycle. There are several ways to do this:

• Gather lint by hand
  
• Brush lint off screen with cleaning brush
  
• Vacuum lint off screen with hose attachment
  

If you are already using the vacuum hose to remove lint from the screen, go ahead and vacuum the inside area where the screen belongs before replacing it. This removes any lint that fell away when you were pulling the screen out. It's also a good idea to wash the screen with warm water occasionally, especially if you use fabric softener, as it can build up and clog the spaces that allow air to flow through.

Every Six Months

Even if you are diligent to clean the screen after every use, a lint fire could still happen if too much builds up in the exhaust hose or the machine itself. Fire restoration specialists recommend that you clean your dryer thoroughly every six months. After unplugging the machine, detach the exhaust hose from the wall and vacuum it out. Then remove the back panel of the machine and vacuum the accumulated lint out of its interior. Not only does this help prevent a dryer fire, it also helps your machine perform better.

Clothes create lint as they dry, and it's important to keep it away from the heating elements in the dryer. Regular maintenance can help prevent a lint fire and keep your dryer running well.