How to clean your dryer lint trap
By Alyssa Chua•Last updated Jul 21, 2023
Last updated Jul 21, 2023
Is your dryer not working? Does it make a squeaking or squealing sound? It may be because the dryer lint trap is full of dirt. Keep reading to find out how to clean a dryer lint trap quickly and thoroughly.
What is a dryer lint trap?
A dryer lint trap is a filter installed inside the dryer. Its purpose is to capture lint and dirt during the drying process.
When you wash your clothes, the washing motion lifts lint and dirt from your garments. However, because your clothes are still wet, they remain on the fabric until you dry them.
During the drying process, a dryer’s airflow passes through a filter before venting outside. The dryer lint trap collects lint from your clothes. As a result, your dryer can function properly and heat your clothes enough to dry them.
Where is the dryer lint trap located?
You can find the dryer lint trap in front of the dryer drum, inside the dryer door, or near the controls on top of the dryer.
How to clean lint out of the dryer
Not sure how to clean your dryer lint trap? Follow the step-by-step instructions below:
Step 1: Remove the lint screen
Pull the lint screen up. Depending on your dryer model, you may need to press down a tab to open the lint screen.
Step 2: Remove the lint with your fingers
Use your fingers to roll and remove the lint from the screen. Make sure you clean both sides of the lint trap. Do not use water to wet or wash the screen just yet. Wet lint is harder to remove than dry lint during this step.
Step 3: Remove any residue
After removing the lint with your fingers, you can use a brush and liquid detergent to scrub the lint screen. Rinse thoroughly with hot water, and dry it completely.
Step 4: Vacuum the lint trap opening
Using a vacuum tool, clean the inside of the lint trap slot where you insert the dryer lint trap. Vacuuming the lint trap slot helps remove more dirt, so your dryer has better airflow.
Step 5: Return the lint trap
Once you have removed the lint from the dryer lint trap and are satisfied with how clean it is, return it to the dryer. Make sure to put it back firmly in place.
Why should you clean your dryer lint trap?
If you don’t clean your lint trap, it can cause many problems for your dryer. For example:
- Fire hazards. If you don't remove the lint and debris from your trap and dryer vent, it could potentially cause a dryer fire.
- Unusual sounds. Lint buildup can block the airflow path from the dryer to the outside vent. If you hear squealing or squeaking sounds, there may be lint buildup inside your dryer vent.
- Longer drying times. You may have to extend your drying time to ensure your clothes are fully dried. A clean dryer trap and a clean dryer vent allow for better airflow, which helps your dryer run more efficiently. Your clothes will dry faster, helping you save time and money on your energy bills.
How often do you need to clean a lint trap?
Most washer and dryer manufacturing companies recommend that you check and clean your dryer lint trap before and after you run a cycle. Some dryers come with an indicator light that tells you to check or clean the lint trap before you use your dryer.
It’s also best to check and clean the dryer vent every 6-12 months. Lint buildup can also occur there. If you aren’t sure how to clean lint out of a dryer vent, it might be best to hire a professional.
Important tip: If you notice that the lint trap in your dryer is loose, obstructed, damaged, or missing, don't run the dryer. Without the lint screen, it can cause overheating and damage both the dryer and the clothes. It’s best to enlist the help of a local handyman or repair professional to diagnose your dryer’s problem.
Need more help? Hire a dryer repair professional on Thumbtack
If your dryer still isn’t working, there might be a part that needs to be replaced or fixed. If you aren’t sure what to do, hire a technician who knows how to work with appliances.
FAQs
Why does so much lint get past the lint trap?
While the dryer lint trap’s purpose is to catch as much lint as possible, it can’t trap all the lint from your clothing.
Sometimes, if you wash your clothes longer than you should, use more water than required, or overload your washer and dryer, your clothes will have excessive lint. The result: a lint trap that’s always full.
What can I use to unclog a dryer vent?
Use a hose attachment and try suctioning around the dryer vent entrance with the help of a vacuum cleaner. If you want to do a deeper cleaning, you may need to use a dryer duct cleaning kit, which usually consists of flexible rods and brushes.
Should you wash your dryer lint trap?
Wash your dryer lint trap with hot water after you have removed the lint from it. Wet lint is harder to remove and may become more stuck to the trap.
How do I know if my dryer vent is clogged?
Several indicators serve as warning signs that your dryer exhaust vent is clogged:
- Your clothes take longer to dry or don’t dry completely.
- Your clothes are hotter than usual after you run a cycle.
- Your dryer becomes very hot.
- You smell something burning.
- You see water dripping on the floor.
- You see steam and moisture in the dryer.
- You see lint buildup on the dryer door or your clothing instead of on the dryer lint trap.
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