Why You Need to Clean the Dryer Lint Filter Every Time

The Critical Role of the Lint Trap

Every time your dryer runs, it pulls lint, fibers, and debris from your laundry. The lint screen, or lint trap, captures this material to prevent it from clogging your dryer vent system.

Here’s a diagram that shows the airflow through a common type of dryer:

While it might seem like a minor part of the drying process, neglecting to clean the lint trap screen can lead to major problems:

Reduced Dryer Efficiency

A clogged lint screen restricts airflow, forcing your dryer to work harder. This increases drying times and energy consumption, leading to higher utility bills.

Fire Hazard

Lint is highly flammable. Allowing it to accumulate in the lint trap—or worse, the vent or inside the dryer cabinet—significantly raises the risk of a dryer fire.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), dryers account for thousands of home fires annually, with lint buildup being a leading cause.

Wear and Tear on Your Dryer

Overloading the system with lint makes the motor, belt, and other components work overtime. This extra strain can lead to costly repairs or shorten the life of your appliance.

How to Clean the Dryer Lint Trap: Step-by-Step Guide

Cleaning the lint screen isn’t just about giving it a quick swipe with your fingers. To maintain peak dryer performance, you need to follow these steps regularly:

1. Remove the Lint Screen

Locate the lint screen, typically near the door or on top of the dryer. Pull it out carefully to avoid dropping lint into the slot.

2. Remove Lint Buildup

Using your hand or a soft brush, gently peel or roll away the accumulated lint. Dispose of it in the trash, not down the sink or toilet, to avoid clogs.

3. Wash the Lint Screen (Weekly or Biweekly)

Every few loads, give the lint screen a thorough cleaning to remove residue left behind by fabric softeners or dryer sheets. Follow these steps:

1. Run warm water over the screen.
2. Scrub gently with a soft-bristled brush and mild dish soap.
3. Rinse thoroughly and let it dry completely before reinserting.

Here’s a short video that shows more details for washing the dryer lint trap screen:

4. Check for Damage

Inspect the lint screen for holes or tears that could allow debris into the vent system. Replace it immediately if you find any damage.

5. Clean the Lint Trap Housing (Monthly)

Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to remove lint from the trap housing. This step helps clear any debris that escaped the screen and reduces the risk of clogs in the vent.

Why Washing the Lint Screen Matters

Over time, residue from laundry products such as dryer softener sheets coats the lint screen, reducing its ability to catch lint effectively.

A simple rinse won't always cut it, which is why scrubbing it with soap is essential. This practice restores the screen’s ability to do its job, ensuring maximum airflow and safety.

Proactive Maintenance Tips

Cleaning the lint screen is just one part of keeping your dryer in top shape. To truly protect your appliance and home, take the additional dryer maintenance steps described in this video:

Schedule professional dryer maintenance and cleaning service yearly to have a Sears Home Services technician visit your home and clean lint from the inside of the dryer cabinet. During cleaning and maintenance service, the technician will clean and check all parts of the dryer and will let you know of any problems that need attention.

Follow these expert tips to help keep your dryer in top shape and lasting longer.

Schedule Annual Vent Cleaning

Hire a dryer vent cleaning professional to clean your dryer vent system annually, or more often if you do a lot of laundry. This prevents lint buildup from reaching dangerous levels.

Use the Dryer Responsibly

Avoid overloading your dryer and clean out pockets before tossing clothes in to reduce the amount of debris.

Inspect Your Dryer Regularly

Keep an eye out for warning signs like longer drying times, overheating, or a burning smell. These could indicate lint buildup or other issues.

Knowing how to clean and wash the dryer lint trap and making it a habit ensures your dryer operates efficiently and safely. Following the additional use and maintenance tips in this article can save you money, prevent fires, and extend the life of your appliance.

Make dryer maintenance and cleaning a non-negotiable part of your laundry routine—you’ll thank yourself in the long run. After all, a little time spent cleaning today beats dealing with costly repairs or dangerous accidents tomorrow.