A lint screen can look clean and still be blocked, so to deep-clean a dryer lint screen you peel off the lint, run water over the mesh to see if it pools, scrub off any film with warm soapy water and a soft brush, and vacuum the slot it sits in. Give it this treatment every couple of months, or sooner if loads are taking longer to dry even though you empty the screen every time.
Time: about 20 minutes plus drying time · Difficulty: Easy · You'll need: a soft brush, dish soap, a towel, a vacuum with a narrow crevice tool, a flashlight
Before you start
- •Unplug the dryer before reaching into the lint trap opening. For a gas dryer, unplugging the power cord is enough; leave the gas line alone.
- •Don't push your hand or tools deep into the housing. Lint that falls further in belongs to a technician's cleaning.
- •Make sure the screen is completely dry before it goes back in.
Steps
Step 1 — Pull the screen and clear the lint
Slide the screen out and peel off the lint layer by hand.
Step 2 — Do the water test
Hold the screen under a gentle stream of tap water. If water beads up or pools instead of running through, a film from dryer sheets or fabric softener is clogging the mesh, even if it looks clean.
Step 3 — Scrub the mesh
Wet the screen with warm water and a drop of dish soap, and scrub both sides gently with a soft brush. Rinse and repeat the water test until water flows straight through.
Step 4 — Let it dry fully
Pat the screen with a towel and let it air-dry completely. A damp screen collects lint faster and can trap moisture.
Step 5 — Vacuum the housing
With the dryer unplugged, shine a flashlight into the slot where the screen sits. Use the crevice tool to vacuum lint from the opening and as far down as it reaches easily.
Step 6 — Check the screen frame
Look for tears in the mesh or a bent frame. A damaged screen lets lint pass into the dryer's duct and blower.
Step 7 — Reinstall and test
Slide the dry screen back in until it seats fully, plug the dryer back in, and run a normal load to compare drying time.
Didn't fix it?
If drying times are still long, the problem may be further along: a crushed or clogged vent, a blocked exterior hood, or coated moisture sensors that end auto-dry cycles too early. See how to clean dryer moisture sensor bars for the sensor check. A dryer that runs hot to the touch, smells scorched, or doesn't heat at all needs a dryer repair visit before you keep using it.
How often to do this
Empty the screen before or after every load. Do the water test and wash every two months if you use dryer sheets, and every few months if you don't.
From Kevin: I've pulled lint screens that looked spotless but wouldn't let a drop of water through. That invisible film forces the dryer to run longer for every single load.
Questions about your dryer? Call ProFix NJ at (973) 718-9373.