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Washing Lint Filter Extends Clothes Dryer Lifespan
Netlore Archive:  According to this email flier, cleaning the lint filter of your clothes dryer with a brush and soapy water on a regular basis will remove residue from fabric softener sheets and extend the appliance's lifespan

Description:  Email flier
Circulating since:  Feb. 2005
Status:  True
Analysis:  See below
 


Email example contributed by E. Fox, 22 February 2005:

Subject: INFORMATION ABOUT CLOTHES DRYERS

Got this message from a friend, wanted to share it with you.

I had a wonderful morning, the heating unit went out of my dryer! Why does everything seem to fall apart this time of year!??? The guy that fixes things went in to the dryer and pulled out the lint filter. It was clean. We always clean the lint from the filter after every load of clothes. He told us that he wanted to show us something. He took the filter over to the sink and ran hot water over it. Now, this thing is like a mesh - I'm sure you know what your dryer's lint filter looks like - WELL......the hot water just laid on top of the mesh!!! It didn't go through it at all!!! He told us that dryer sheets cause a film over that mesh and that's what burns out the heating unit. You can't SEE the film, but it's there. He said the best way to keep your dryer working for a very long time (and to keep your electric bill lower) is to take that filter out and wash it with hot soapy water and an old toothbrush (or other brush) at least every six months. He said that makes the life of the dryer at least twice as long! How about that???!!!! Learn something new everyday!

I certainly didn't know dryer sheets would do that. So, thought I'd share! Note: I went to dryer and tested my screen by running water on it. The water collected a little but ran though the screen. I dried it off and was ready to put it back in the dryer since the water ran through it but, I thought was the heck it won't hurt to wash it while I had it out. Warm soap water and a nylon brush and I had it done in 30 seconds. I then ran the water over the screen and what a difference the water just gushed through it with no puddling at all and this time I was running the water at a faster rate. That repairman knew what he was talking about.


Comments:  Not much to argue with here. Sources ranging from manufacturers to consumer agencies agree with the recommendation to wash clothes dryer lint filters occasionally with warm, soapy water and a soft brush to remove chemical residues left by fabric softener sheets. A clogged lint filter not only hampers dryer efficiency, experts say, but can cause overheating, which increases wear and tear on the appliance as well as the risk of fire.


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Sources and further reading:

Do Fabric Softener Sheets Hurt the Dryer?
RepairClinic.com, Answers to Common Questions: Dryer

Can My Lint Filter Be Clogged Even Though It Appears Clean?
ASKO Appliances Customer Care

Get the Most from Your Dryer
ConsumerReports.org

Dryer Dangers
NBC4.com, 10 February 2005


Last updated: 03/03/05


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