Tips & Tricks for Cleaning Your Dryer

Every time I open the dryer and a clump of lint falls out, I’m reminded to clean the screen. Sometimes there’s a thin film if I do a light load. But if I just dried towels, you bet the lint is at least a quarter-inch thick. 

So what about the lint I can’t get to? Don’t get me wrong; I empty the screen after every cycle but build up continues inside lint screens and other parts of the dryer in unseen locations. This necessary chore needs to be addressed in order to keep your machine running effectively. Lint clings to laundry and can damage a dryer, not to mention the fire hazards it poses. In fact, dirty dryer vents are the leading cause of dryer fires, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

Experts recommend a thorough cleaning once a year, but more often if there’s heavy build up due to frequent usage or pets (hair and dander cling to fabrics). You know it’s time to clean if clothes take longer to dry, there’s a burning smell or the dryer is hotter than usual during regular cycles.

To get started: Unplug the power cord supply and disconnect the exhaust ventilation hose at the back of the machine. If yours is a gas dryer, close the shut-off valve in the gas supply line then disconnect and cap the supply line pipe. Next, move the dryer away from the wall. Remove any clamps or ties attaching the ventilation host to the vent at the back of the machine. This may require a screwdriver.

Clean lint trap: Improve airflow by cleaning the trap’s mesh using an old toothbrush and warm, soapy water. Allow the trap to dry completely before reinserting it into the dryer. Also, check in and around the trap area and remove lint using a vacuum with long hose attachment or clean cloth.

Clean interior vent: Remove lint, dust or other materials where the vent connects to the dryer using a microfiber cloth. Using a vent brush or clean toilet brush, eliminate debris inside the duct then vacuum inside using the hose attachment. Clean where the vent connects to the wall. Yard blowers are an effective alternative that will help push lint outside.

Clean inside dryer: Using a soft cloth or sponge soaked in warm water and dish soap or half-vinegar, half-water mixture, wipe the drum inside the dryer. Leave the door open to air dry.

Clean around dryer:Wipe away remaining lint from the floor and walls with a soft cloth and soapy water. Once finished inside, head outdoors.

Clean exterior vent: Oftentimes we’re so focused on the inside of the machine we forget about where some of the lint is landing. Wherever your vent hose is outside, sweep and dispose of all lint in the area. Clean the exterior vent with a soft brush.

Reconnect the dryer: Once the area is dry and free of lint and other materials, reconnect the ventilation pipe to the back of the dryer. Once secure, plug in the power supply and turn on gas valve, if needed.

A few tips to keep in mind:

• To avoid breathing in lint particles, wear a mask.

• Dryer vent cleaner kits are an effective alternative and run $20 to $30, depending on length.

• Dryers located in a basement may have longer, more complex vent paths so consider using a professional in this case.

• Thoroughly clean the floor under the dryer (and under the washing machine while you’re at it!) where lint and dust collects.

• Once finished, double check that the vent is connected to the dryer. If it’s not securely attached, lint will spread underneath the dryer and can lead to mold and fungus if the humidity isn’t moving through the vent to the outside.

• Consider replacing foil, plastic or vinyl dryer ducts with a rigid metal duct to reduce clogging.