Advice from a clothes dryer repairman

Information about dryer maintenance and safety

Some advice from a dryer repairman.


Examine your dryer's lint screen by running warm water over it. If the water puddles on the screen instead of draining through, you have a problem.

Dryer sheets to reduce wrinkling cause a film to form over the mesh. You can't see the film, but it's there. A filmed lint filter can burn out the dryer heating unit. It can also contribute to dryer vent caused house fires.

The best way to keep your dryer working for a long time, reduce your electric bill, and reduce house fires is to take the lint filter out and wash it with hot soapy water and a soft nylon brush at least every six months. An old tooth brush will work. Thoroughly dry the lint filter before returning it to your dryer.

In addition, use a dryer lint brush to clean out the lint vent at least once each month to be sure no lint is collecting in the dryer vent, which can cause a fire.