How To Clean a Clothes Dryer Filter

  • October 29, 2009
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Keeping the filter clean improves your dryer’s performance and avoids the risk of fire from lint buildup.

You Will Need

  • A vacuum cleaner with hand tools
  • A bucket with water and dish soap
  • A rag
How To Clean a Clothes Dryer Filter: Manually clean filter

Step 1: Manually clean filter

Remove your dryer filter after each dryer load. Scrape lint from the filter with your hands.

How To Clean a Clothes Dryer Filter: Vacuum filter and filter area

Step 2: Vacuum filter and filter area

Clean the area around the filter and wherever lint is visible using the hand tools on your vacuum.

How To Clean a Clothes Dryer Filter: Wipe inside of dryer

Step 3: Wipe inside of dryer

Wipe the inside of the dryer drum, the dryer door, and any other surfaces with a damp, soapy rag to remove hair, lint, and debris that can build up inside the dryer. Let air dry.

How To Clean a Clothes Dryer Filter: Clean duct, vent, and back

Step 4: Clean duct, vent, and back

Lint also collects on the back of the dryer, in the exhaust duct, and in the dryer vent. Clean these periodically with a vacuum.

How To Clean a Clothes Dryer Filter: Hire a professional

Step 5: Hire a professional

Hire a professional to periodically clean the interior of your dryer every one to three years to increase safety and improve performance.

The first clothes dryer was invented in Europe in the 1800s. Clothes were dried in a large barrel with holes that was rotated over a fire.

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