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Clean the screen to prevent a dryer fire.

Three Ways You Can Remove Lint From a Dryer

Almost 3,000 residential fires happen each year due to dirty lint traps in a dryer, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Preventing a lint fire in your Collegedale, TN, home takes little time and effort, and it can help save you thousands in fire restoration services costs. Here are three ways you can remove lint from a dryer. 

1. Clean the Screen To Prevent a Dryer Fire
After every load in your dryer is done, pull out the lint trap and clean it. Gently start in one corner of the trap and pull the lint away from the screen. Ensure that you don't have any lint left on the trap that might get into the vents. It's also helpful to clean the screen in warm, soapy water every two weeks to help remove built-up dust and small bits of debris that could cause a lint fire. Be sure to thoroughly dry the screen before putting it back into the dryer. 

2. Clean the Vents
Over time, pieces of lint get trapped in the vents and can eventually block airflow from the dryer. When that happens, you are at a much higher risk of fire damage happening to your home. Unplug your machine and remove the exhaust hose from the dryer. Use a vacuum to completely clean the inside of the hose and remove all of the accumulated lint. It's also helpful to access the exhaust hose from the outside vent and use a cleaning rod to remove the lint in the hose from that side. 

3. Deep-Clean the Interior of the Dryer
Because lint pieces can be small and light, they often make their way to the dryer's interior. If not addressed, the pieces of lint can quickly build up and cause blockages, which can be a fire hazard for your machine. While your machine is unplugged, remove the back of the dryer. Wipe down all surfaces with built-up lint and use a vacuum to access hard-to-reach places. 
Taking adequate care of your dryer and its components doesn't take a lot of extra time, and it can keep you and your family safe from a lint fire.