When you turn on your clothes dryer, it produces hot air to dry your clothes or linen. As this heated air cycles over your clothes, it will inevitably pick up lint and other loose particles and trap them on a wire mesh filter as it exits through the dryer vent. It’s important to clean out the lint trap where this fluff accumulates between every load. This guide will explain how doing so will prevent unnecessary dryer repairs. 

What Are the Benefits of Cleaning the Lint Trap?

In order to dry your clothes efficiently, air must be able to easily pass through the appliance. When the lint filter is clogged with debris, this becomes increasingly difficult, and the dryer has to work much harder to put out warm air. As a result, clothes take longer to dry, energy is wasted, and premature dryer repairs are often needed.

When the filter isn’t regularly emptied, it also becomes a fire hazard. Approximately 3,000 house fires each year are caused by clothes dryers. Usually, these are caused by lint, which is extremely flammable, accumulating in the vent and on the heating element. Lint buildup also causes the motor and other parts to overheat, and then the smallest spark is able to start a fire. 

Lint accumulation also causes an increase in humidity inside the dryer. This can cause mold and mildew to grow in the vents and spread to the surrounding walls and ventilation.

Where to Locate the Lint Trap & How to Clean It?

Although the lint trap must be cleaned between every use, not all are placed in the most convenient location. If you can’t visibly see the filter on top of the dryer or just inside the door, check your owner’s manual to quickly find it. 

To clean the lint filter, you usually just have to remove the ball of lint that has accumulated on the screen. However, if the holes appear clogged after you’ve done that, there could be some dryer sheet or fabric softener residue. Dip the filter screen in hot water and use a soft-bristled brush to remove this buildup. It’s also good to go over the filter housing with a vacuum after every few uses to clear out any debris that could have gotten trapped. 

Prevent costly dryer repairs by contacting the professionals at Expert Appliance Solutions in Elyria, OH, to clean your dryer vent. This appliance repair company provides maintenance and repair on all makes and models of refrigerators, washers, dryers, stoves, and dishwashers. Their team of trained technicians has over 30 years of experience and provides warranties on every repair. Call them today at (844) 423-9737 to schedule dryer repairs, and visit their website to learn more about their appliance services.