Three published sources cover dryer lint: Whirlpool on the lint screen, Samsung on the exhaust vent, and the U.S. Fire Administration on preventing dryer fires. The lint screen is the every-load job; Samsung says to clean the exhaust vent once or twice per year.
Steps, by source
Whirlpool: the lint screen
Removes lint from a Whirlpool dryer's lint screen after a load. Source: Whirlpool: Clean the dryer lint screen.
- Pull the lint screen straight up.
- Roll lint off the screen with your fingers.
- Close the lint screen and push it firmly back into place.
From the source. Do not rinse or wash the screen to remove lint. Wet lint is hard to remove.
How often, according to Whirlpool: Cleaning After Every Load
Samsung: the exhaust vent
Disconnects the dryer duct and brushes out the exhaust vent with a drill-driven vent cleaning kit. Source: Samsung: Clean the dryer exhaust vent.
- If you have a gas dryer, turn off the gas and unplug the dryer from its power source.
- If possible, disassemble the external vent outside the house and remove any lint from the cover.
- Disconnect the flexible or semi-rigid duct from the floor or wall attachment (usually by removing the clamp).
- Assemble the cleaning kit by following its directions and attach it to the drill.
- Insert the brush into the vent and slowly rotate it with the drill set to clockwise, otherwise the attachments may disconnect from the drill.
- Add extension rods as needed until the brush reaches all the way through the vent. You may want to tape the rod connections so they do not get lost or stuck inside the vent.
- Inspect the duct for damage. If it's damaged, replace it. If you are not replacing it, gently clean the duct with the brush attachment.
- Vacuum any lint and debris.
- Reconnect the duct to the dryer.
- Put the dryer back into place and plug it in.
- Reassemble the exterior vent.
- If you have a gas dryer, turn the gas back on.
What the source lists: Vent cleaning kit with brush, extension rods, and adapter attachments for drill and vacuum; Drill; Screw driver; Vacuum; Pliers; Tape (to secure the extension rods and avoid losing them inside the vent).
From the source. When it comes to cleaning your dryer’s exhaust vent, a professional vent cleaning service is recommended.
How often, according to Samsung: Clean your exhaust vent once or twice per year
U.S. Fire Administration: fire-safety checks
The U.S. Fire Administration's tips for preventing a clothes dryer fire: lint filter, back of the dryer, venting and outdoor vent cover. Source: U.S. Fire Administration: Dryer fire-safety checks.
- Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional.
- Clean the lint filter before and after each cycle.
- Clean the back of the dryer where lint can build up.
- Check the venting system behind the dryer to make sure that it is not damaged, crushed or restricted.
- Make sure that the outdoor vent covering opens when the dryer is operating.
From the source. Do not use the dryer without a lint filter.
From the source. You are at higher risk of having a clothes dryer fire if you don’t clean your lint filter and dryer vents.
How often, according to U.S. Fire Administration: Clean the lint filter before and after each cycle.
Questions
How often should I clean the dryer lint screen?
Whirlpool lists cleaning after every load. The U.S. Fire Administration says to clean the lint filter before and after each cycle.
How often should I clean the dryer exhaust vent?
Samsung says to clean your exhaust vent once or twice per year, and recommends a professional vent cleaning service.
Should I wash the lint screen with water?
Whirlpool says not to rinse or wash the screen to remove lint, because wet lint is hard to remove.
Why does lint buildup matter?
The U.S. Fire Administration says you are at higher risk of a clothes dryer fire if you don't clean your lint filter and dryer vents, and not to use the dryer without a lint filter.
Models vary, check your manual. These steps come from the sources linked above and HouseHack doesn't verify them. Follow your appliance's manual and safety labels.
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