Image Map

a tutorial blog that covers crafts, diy, home decor, sewing, paper crafting and more.

  • Home
  • Start Here!
  • Crafts
  • Holidays
  • Home Decor
  • Jewelry
  • Recipes
  • Sewing
  • SVG Shop

How to Clean the Dryer Lint Trap Slot

January 13, 2021 By: Katie11 Comments

title image for How to Clean the Dryer Lint Trap Slot

Learn how to clean your dryer lint trap. Takes less than 30 minutes! Below is the complete tutorial on cleaning the Dryer Lint Trap. ?

When we purchased our home in July it came with a used washer and dryer. We were thrilled because that was one less thing we needed to buy.

After running several loads our excitement turned into disappointment. The dryer would dry the clothes but it took at least two cycles to get the clothes dry.

Here it is, a year and a half later and we are still dealing with the same dryer and taking FOREVER to get a load done. We have threatened about a dozen times to buy a new one but it still kinda worked so we kept putting it off.

The lint trap has also been pretty dirty since we got it, again another thing we kept meaning to clean but was never a big enough priority to actually do.

Earlier this week I took the time and cleaned the dryer lint trap and oh my goodness it has made a world of difference. In fact, I have a load that was completely dry and hot BEFORE the timer beeped!

I know I have a tendency to procrastinate but I am hoping that by sharing how simple this is, you will take the time to clean your dryer vent and see what a difference it makes. The whole thing seriously took less than 30 minutes. I’m embarrassed it took me so long to do.

More Cleaning Tutorials:

While cleaning isn’t our favorite thing to do, it saves time when you know the right way to do it. We have shared a couple cleaning tutorials that work for us so I thought we would share them with you! Like 10 Quick Cleaning Tips, 7 Tips for a Clean and Organized Home, and Make a Clean or Dirty Dishwasher Sign.

Supplies You’ll Need to Create this Project:

This post contains affiliate links.

  • Toothbrush
  • Lint Lizard
  • Vacuum Cleaner

How to Clean the Dryer Lint Trap Slot

Here is my lint trap. You can judge me by how gross it is because it is bad. And this is when its “clean” and the lint has been removed. EWWW!

a dirty dryer lint trap

I immediately brought it to my sink and when I turned the water on I noticed the water wouldn’t even go through the mesh. Air is supposed to come through this filter, and if water can’t get through then that makes sense as to why hot air wasn’t making it through.

how to properly clean a dryer lint trap

My tool of choice to clean the trap is a toothbrush. Mine is a freebie that we got from our dentist.

using a toothbrush to scrub the lint trap

The bristles of the toothbrush work great at removing all of the little pieces of yucky inside the mesh. Also, use a little bit of dish soap. The dish soap will help remove any residue from the softener.

cleaning a lint trap under water

I kind of expected that I would have to scrub, but that really wasn’t the case. The yuckies brushed away very easily. I cleaned the lint trap in about 10 minutes.

a clean dryer lint trap

The lint trap will need to dry before you use it again, but it doesn’t take long to dry at all.

Oh my gosh, you can see through it!

a clean dryer lint trap

The next step is to get all of the lint out of the lint trap slot. It was hard to get a good picture of the inside but there was lint all over the sides and probably a couple inches on the bottom of that thin little slot.

a dirty lint trap slot

The Lint Lizard is an accessory that goes over the end of the vacuum hose that turns into a smaller hose that will fit inside the lint trap slot.

a lint lizard connected to my vacuum

I use a Shark Lift-Away and I love this vacuum. I inserted the smaller hose into the lint trap and moved it around until I got all of the lint out. This tool is so much easier than using bent hangers to try to remove all that excess lint.

cleaning the dryer with a lint lizard

When I was all done you could actually see the metal of the lint trap. It made me realize how gross it really was!

a clean lint trap slot

Cleaning my lint trap really has made such a difference in how well my dryer works, and I am sure it has increased its efficiency by about a billion percent.

How long has it been since you have cleaned your dryer lint trap? If it has been more than 6 months I challenge you to get out the old toothbrush and dish soap and get it done.

When you clean your dryer lint trap, please share a photo! We’d love to see.

Yield: Cleaning the Dryer Lint Trap

How to Clean the Dryer Lint Trap Slot

clean dryer lint trap 14

Learn how to clean your dryer lint trap. Takes less than 30 minutes! ?

Active Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Difficulty Easy
Estimated Cost $15

Materials

  • Lint Lizard
  • Toothbrush

Tools

  • Vacuum Cleaner

Instructions

  1. Remove lint trap from dryer.
  2. Clean the trap with running water, a toothbrush and a bit of dishwashing soap.
  3. Let dry.
  4. Attach Lint Lizard to the vacuum hose.
  5. Insert the Lint Lizard hose into the lint trap slot and move around to get all of the lint out.
  6. Dryer is ready to use.
© Katie Adams
Project Type: Home

How to Make Wood Burned Spoons

Wood Burned Spoons make a great handmade gift or personalize and keep to use yourself! Below is the step by step tutorial and video.

How to Make a Vinyl Car Window Decal Sticker with Cricut Explore

Learn how to make your own Vinyl Car Decals with the Cricut Explore. Click here now for the tutorial featured by The Crafty Blog Stalker!!

How to Frame Diamond Art Pictures

Put your artwork on display and Frame Diamond Art with a simple canvas wrap technique. Click here for the step by step tutorial with video.

How to Make Sea Glass Wind Chimes

Decorate your home with a beautiful sea glass wind chime. This step by step tutorial will show you exactly what to do. Free printable template included!

How to Make Mini Pallet Coasters with Popsicle Sticks

Learn how to make Mini Wood Pallet Coasters with Popsicle Sticks. Click here for the step by step tutorial and video!

Follow The Crafty Blog Stalker

Comments

  1. Kim says

    January 12, 2016 at 8:05 am

    Oh my gosh! We have been dealing with this same issue…and eventually the clogged up filter will cause the dryer to overheat & it will keep shutting itself off & can burn out the thermostat. Guess how I know this? lol I’ve washed my lint filter but it didn’t seem as clean as it should…using a toothbrush is a great idea! I’m going to go do that now! Well…I’m putting it on my “to-do” list at least 😉

    Reply
  2. Julie @ Logger's Wife says

    January 13, 2016 at 8:58 am

    I have a dryer brush set that fits into the slot where the lint trap goes then another one to clean out the duct itself but I have never thought to scrub the lint trap. That is getting added to my to do list. 🙂 (visiting from A Little R & R Wednesdays)

    Reply
  3. Deedra says

    January 13, 2016 at 2:38 pm

    I need to do this so bad. I need that tool that you used when I do it. Looks so easy that my kids could do it. Have a great day.

    Reply
    • Katie says

      January 14, 2016 at 8:02 am

      I put it off for may too long too so I totally understand. 🙂

      Reply
  4. Chris says

    January 14, 2016 at 2:01 pm

    Thanks for sharing this at Funtastic Friday!

    Reply
  5. Sara Syrett says

    January 5, 2017 at 7:17 pm

    What a great solution! Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday!

    Reply
    • Katie says

      January 8, 2017 at 8:05 am

      Thanks Sara! I’m glad you liked my Dryer tip!

      Reply
  6. Carol says

    February 22, 2017 at 6:43 am

    Thank you for this, many people are not aware and it is so important because lint is highly flammable. I have known several people whose house caught fire due to over heated dryers and lint, or even because the dryer was not vented properly. One family member vented it to their attic and summer hot attic and lint cost them their house. Just a reminder, when you clean your lint trap don’t forget the vent. We have found it easier to clean if your vent is sheet metal rather than those expandable plastic hoses. Even short lengths need to be cleaned regularly.

    Reply
    • Katie says

      February 22, 2017 at 7:54 am

      Thanks, Carol! All great tips and a good reminder as to why cleaning the lint trap and vent are so important!

      Reply
  7. YVONNE says

    April 3, 2019 at 6:38 am

    The Lint Lizard is a great tool to use. You can also go on the back of your dryer take off the hose that goes to the outside and clean that out because it has alot of lint build up in the hose . Then take your vaccum to the back of the dryer and clean that out to. I didn’t realize that so much lint was in the back of the dryer. Make sure to unplug it first.

    Reply
    • Katie says

      April 3, 2019 at 10:22 am

      YES! Great tip Yvonne! Thank you!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




The Crafty Blog Stalker is a website filled with DIY Step by Step Craft Tutorial Ideas. You can make it and I can show you how!

The crafty Blog Stalker

Crafty Blog Stalker Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2021 · Modern Blogger Pro Theme By, Pretty Darn Cute Design

By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies.OK, I Agree Reject Read More

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.