Household

How to Clean Dryer Lint Trap

A clean dryer lint trap makes a bigger difference than you'd think. Here's the most effective method, plus the mistakes most people make.

What You'll Need

  • Vacuum with crevice tool
  • Soap-Man Lemon Glow Dish Soap
  • Warm water
  • Soft brush
  • Lint trap cleaning brush

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Remove the lint screen

    Pull out the lint screen and remove all loose lint with your hands.

  2. 2

    Wash the screen with soap and water

    Wash the screen with warm water and dish soap. This removes dryer sheet residue that builds up on the mesh.

  3. 3

    Dry completely

    Let the screen dry completely before reinstalling. A wet screen can create static and reduce drying performance.

  4. 4

    Vacuum the lint trap housing

    Use the crevice tool to vacuum inside the lint trap slot where the screen sits.

  5. 5

    Use a lint trap cleaning brush

    For deep cleaning, use a long lint trap cleaning brush to reach lint deeper in the trap housing.

Pro Tips

  • TIPClean the lint screen after every load to prevent fire hazards and improve drying efficiency.
  • TIPWash the lint screen monthly with soap to remove dryer sheet residue that blocks airflow.
  • TIPHave your dryer vent professionally cleaned annually to remove deep lint accumulation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • XNot cleaning the lint screen after every load, which is the leading cause of dryer fires.
  • XSkipping the soap wash, which lets dryer sheet residue build up and block airflow.
  • XIgnoring the lint trap housing, where lint accumulates beyond the screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

After every single load. Wash the screen with soap monthly. Deep clean the housing every few months.