How to Clean a Clothes Dryer Filter
Keeping the filter clean improves your dryer's performance and avoids the risk of fire from lint buildup.
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You Will Need
- A vacuum cleaner with hand tools
- A bucket with water and dish soap
- A rag
Steps
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Step 1
Manually clean filter
Remove your dryer filter after each dryer load. Scrape lint from the filter with your hands.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
