[sinamin]

Tip for Better Dryer Performance

I learned this the hard way and thought it might be helpful to others. It is very important to regularly remove the lint caught in the lint trap or lint sleeve of a dryer. The main reason is to prevent a fire but the other reason is to encourage better drying performance.

If you leave the lint in the tray and not discard it after using the dryer, the clothes take longer to dry. The lint tray will usually be full after doing a load or two of towels.

[HomeGirl]

I am so pasting this topic to my dear MAN. For someone who's had a family member ruin his dryer by packing it with lint, he sure stinks at remembering to clean the lint screen himself! Heh.

I also read once that you should WASH the lint screen every once in a while - with mild detergent, to get the fabric-softener and other residue off of it, thus promoting better air flow. True?

[sinamin]

Yes that is true. I am just reading my manual here - like I have nothing better to do - LOL - but it does say washing the lint filter with warm soapy water improves the efficiency of the dryer. It goes on to say the filter will last longer.

Lastly, it says that for the exact reason you mention (build up of dryer sheet residue) you should wash the filter because you cannot see how clogged it really is.

[HomeGirl]

I wish I could remember where I got my reference; it was online somewhere - but I remember specifically the directions: If water does not flow easily through your lint trap, then air won't either. Thanks for the assurance, sinamin!

The first time I put my lint screen in the sink and poured water into it, I might as well have poured it into a cup. Once I cleaned it, it flowed through like a sieve. I haven't specifically noticed a difference in my dryer's function - but I guess the fact that it works and dries fairly efficiently and hasn't burnt its motor up yet is testament to the usefulness of this method.

[sinamin]

I think alot of times with these tips we read all over the place, we never know if they are "old wives tales" or the real deal. And so many people are spewing advice these days, you wonder what is fact and what is something someone just said on their own.

But it certainly makes common sense what you say : If water cannot flow through the holes then neither can air.

I always get these tips from the hydro company which I am sure are true but I always wonder just how much money I am really saving.

[wingnut]

Originally Posted by sinamin

Yes that is true. I am just reading my manual here - like I have nothing better to do - LOL - but it does say washing the lint filter with warm soapy water improves the efficiency of the dryer. It goes on to say the filter will last longer.

Is cleaning the lint filter once a week enough? I admit, I sometimes forget to do it on a regular basis. Got to search for that manual. I always thought I have something better to do than read it.

[Alan]

Most washing machines collect lint during the wash cycle. Some washing machines collect the lint in the centre tube of the agitator. If your washer is like this then you will need to take the tube out and periodically clean it. Other machines may have a lint filter near the top of the tub. You will need to slide the filter out and clean it off and then reinsert it.