All of this may be building up inside your dryer. Here’s how to properly clean your dryer. Full article

## 🔥 Why Cleaning Your Dryer Is So Important

You’d be surprised how much gunk builds up in a dryer. We’re talking about:
– **Lint**: The number one culprit and a huge fire risk
– **Dust** and debris from your laundry room
– **Hair and fibers** from clothes, towels, and pet beds
– **Detergent residue** from dryer sheets and softeners
– **Mold and mildew**, especially in humid areas

This buildup can lead to:
– Longer drying times (which wastes energy and money)
– Overheating
– Mechanical issues
– That gross musty smell in your “clean” clothes
– Even house fires (dryer fires cause thousands of fires yearly!)

That’s why giving your dryer a proper clean—inside and out—isn’t just about cleanliness; it’s about **safety and performance**.

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## 🧼 How Often Should You Clean Your Dryer?

Here’s a quick maintenance timeline to keep in mind:

– **Every load**: Clean the lint trap.
– **Once a month**: Wipe the drum and clean the lint screen housing.
– **Every 3–6 months**: Deep clean the vent hose and exterior vent.
– **Once a year**: Do a full deep clean of the entire dryer system.

Now let’s dive into exactly **how** to do it.

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## 🛠️ Step-by-Step: How to Properly Clean Your Dryer

### **Step 1: Unplug Your Dryer (or Turn Off the Gas)**

Safety first. Before doing any cleaning, **unplug your dryer** from the wall. If you have a gas dryer, turn off the gas valve.

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### **Step 2: Clean the Lint Trap and Housing**

You probably already clean the lint trap after every load (if not—start now!), but here’s how to go deeper:

1. **Remove the lint screen** and clear off any visible lint.
2. **Vacuum inside the lint trap housing** using a long hose attachment. There’s often lint hiding in there that you can’t see.
3. For a deeper clean, **wash the lint screen** with warm, soapy water if you use dryer sheets—residue from sheets can create a waxy coating that blocks airflow.

Let it dry completely before reinserting.

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### **Step 3: Wipe Down the Drum**

Residue from dryer sheets and laundry products can build up inside the drum.

1. Use a **microfiber cloth with a bit of vinegar or mild soap**.
2. Wipe down the inside of the drum, the door, and the rubber gasket if your dryer has one.
3. Rinse with a clean damp cloth and leave the door open to air dry.

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### **Step 4: Clean the Dryer Vent Hose**

This is one of the most important steps—**lint in the vent is a serious fire hazard.**

1. Carefully pull the dryer away from the wall.
2. Disconnect the **vent hose** (usually secured with a clamp).
3. Use a **dryer vent cleaning brush** or a vacuum attachment to remove lint inside the hose.
4. Check the **exterior vent flap** outside your home—make sure it’s not blocked with lint, leaves, or critters.

If it’s been years since you cleaned it, consider hiring a professional for a full vent cleaning.

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