How to Clean Dryer Lint Trap
Does your front-load dryer take ages to dry your clothes, hiking your power bill? The dryer lint trap is the reason. Cleaning it will help improve the heating element, drying your clothes in minutes. However, the process is a little technical. That’s why I will take you step by step through the cleaning process.
7 Steps for Cleaning Front Load Dryer Lint Trap
Cleaning your dryer follows a process that requires some tools and materials. Let’s list them:
- Vacuum with crevice attachment
- Laundry brush (Nylon)
- Detergent
- Water
1. Unplug the Dryer
Safety is crucial, and it starts with unplugging the front load dryer from the power. The last thing you want is a power accident, like electrocution.
2. Remove the Lint Screen
Front-load dryers often have the lint screen located inside the door opening at the bottom or along the dryer’s front panel.
3. Use Your Fingers to Remove the Lint
Remove the lint from the lint screen and dispose of it using your fingers. Avoid using water when removing the lint. If you encounter stubborn residue, try using a cloth to wipe it off.
4. Vacuum the Lint Trap Opening
Use a vacuum crevice tool and carefully clean the inside of the lint trap slot to help with efficient drying and improved airflow.
5. Check for Residue on the Lint Screen
It is recommended that you inspect it every 3 months. Residue accumulation happens when fabric softeners and detergents build overtime on the lint screen.
6. Clean the Build up Residue
If you notice residue build up on the lint screen, use a nylon laundry brush and a hot water and detergent solution. Start by scrubbing on both sides of the lint screen and rinse thoroughly with hot water. After, dry the front load washer lint screen with a clean cloth.
7. Return the Lint Screen Back to the Dryer
Returning the lint screen is simple. Align the lint screen with the front-load dryer opening. Then, push it until it’s fully in place.
Why Does My Dryer Keep Filling Up With Lint?
Your front-load dryer fills up quickly because you wash your clothes on long cycles and use a higher water setting.
Other reasons include overloading your self-clean washer, which causes the clothes to produce excessive lint and fill the lint trap.
So, what can you do to mitigate filling your lint trap fast?
- Start by shortening your wash time for soiled clothing and small loads.
- Let the washer determine the water level needed. Alternatively, choose a water level that can cover the load.
- Don’t cramp clothes in the washer. Instead, loosely put them in the washer, not higher than the top row of holes.
What Should Be the Dryer Lint Cleaning Cycle
We recommend cleaning the lint trap after every load. For deep cleaning, you can do it after every 3 – 6 months. Alternatively, when your dryer indicates, or when the drying cycles take long.
