Lint buildup in a dryer and its vent cuts the dryer’s efficiency. Clothes take longer to dry and your energy bills go up. But the biggest reason to clean out lint is this: Lint buildup is one of the most common causes of home fires. Lint near the motor, gas burner or electric heating element can catch fire, ignite lint in the vent duct and then spread to the rest of your house.
• Empty the lint trap after every load.
• Vacuum behind the machine regularly.
• Keep flammables away from the dryer.
• Clean lint from inside the dryer cabinet and vent duct once a year.
• If your dryer has a plastic duct, replace it with metal.
1. Clean out the cabinet
Unplug the dryer, turn off the gas valve and pry off the access panel. Vacuum inside the cabinet, especially around the motor and the gas burner or electric heating element.
You can disassemble the vent and clean it by hand or simply disconnect the vent from the dryer and feed in a dryer vent brush from outside. Brushes are available at appliance stores, some home centers and online.
Unplug the dryer before pulling it away from the wall. If you have a gas dryer, also shut off the gas valve. If you smell gas after turning the valve back on, turn it off immediately and call your local utility company.