How often should you clean your dryer’s lint trap? What appliance experts want everyone to know

If you’re only doing it occasionally, it’s time to rethink your routine.

Key Takeaways

• Clean your dryer’s lint trap after every load to maintain airflow, reduce drying time, save energy, and protect the appliance.
• Because lint is flammable, wash the lint screen every one to three months, check the outside vent every six to 12 months, and have the vent professionally cleaned every one to two years.
• If you notice longer drying times, excess lint, or a burning smell, have your dryer inspected by a professional.

Laundry is one of those tasks that always feels endless. So many of us are guilty of skipping that final step at the end. And no, we don’t mean folding (although there’s that, too). We mean cleaning out the lint trap. After all, is it really that big of a deal? What’s a little lint left in your dryer anyway?

We asked the experts. Here’s how often you really need to clean your dryer’s lint trap—and why you should make it part of your routine.

How Often Are You Supposed to Clean Your Lint Trap?

It’s a seemingly minor chore, but you absolutely need to clean out the lint trap after every load. “The National Air Duct Cleaners Association recommends you clean the lint screen every load,” says Jim Thoma, vice president of operations at AdvantaClean.

However, it doesn’t end there. Thoma says you also need to wash the lint screen with soap and water every one to three months. “You should inspect the exterior vent termination and airflow every six to 12 months,” he adds. “You should also have the dryer exhaust system professionally inspected and cleaned every one to two years, but even more frequently if drying times increase, pets are present, or laundry volume is high.”

What Is Lint?

We might not think much about lint, but what exactly is it anyway? Simply put, lint is the fabric your clothes shed in the dryer.

“As clothes tumble, the fibers rub together, and tiny pieces break loose,” explains Rhonda Leon, owner of Neat & Repeat Cleaning, Treasure Coast. “The trap catches them. That gray layer you peel off the screen is a little bit of everything you’ve dried, plus pet hair and whatever was sitting in a pocket.”

Why Do You Need to Remove the Lint From Your Dryer?

There are several reasons why you need to keep your lint trap clean. “When lint blocks the airflow, the dryer can’t push the hot, damp air out,” Leon explains. “So your clothes come out damp and you run them again. Sometimes a third time. Your power bill climbs, and the machine wears out years before it should. Keep the air moving, and the dryer does what it’s supposed to.”

However, there’s an even bigger reason to stay on top of this task. “Lint is dry, and it builds up right next to the heat—that makes it a fire hazard,” Leon warns. “Clogged dryers are one of the leading causes of household fires, and most of those fires don’t have to happen.”

Other Maintenance Tips

Jeff Manning, CEO and founder of ABGbuilders, recommends having your dryer inspected and serviced annually to help reduce the risk of fire. In addition to cleaning the lint trap, he says it’s important to make sure the exterior vent is working properly and to have the ductwork, fasteners, and the connection between the dryer and vent pipe inspected for any issues.

“Taking responsibility as the owner—and even as a tenant—can save thousands of dollars and, more importantly, lives,” Manning says. He recommends hiring a reputable duct-cleaning, HVAC, or appliance service company for annual inspections.

When to Call In a Pro

Even if you regularly clean your dryer and wash the lint screen, it’s still important to be mindful of signs that your dryer may not be functioning properly. Kevin Busch, president of Dryer Vent Wizard, a Neighborly company, notes several warning signs indicate it’s time to call in a professional. “Do you have excessive lint on your clothing, behind your dryer, or in the door seal?” he says. “Excessive lint can be a warning sign that your dryer vents need cleaning and maintenance.”

Another sign is longer drying times. “Limited airflow causes trapped moisture in your dryer, resulting in longer drying times,” Busch adds. “This is a warning sign that your dryer vents could be obstructed.”

Lastly, if you notice a burning smell, it’s best to turn your dryer off and immediately book a pro for inspection and service. 

Read the original article on Real Simple