Maribeth

I know it traps the lint, but why?? I was just wondering because I put a load of towels in the dryer and then hit the start button. Then I remembered I hadn't cleaned the lint trap so I pulled it out while the machine was running. While I was dumping the trap into the wastebasket, I just happened to look out the window next to the dryer vent and the lint was flying into the backyard. Sooo, why not just let the lint fly into the backyard? Is it dangerous in some way? While l await an answer, I put the trap back into the dryer and checked the window. No more lint flying into the yard, but I still would like to know if there is any reason. I thought it had something to do with fire prevention, any ideas?

kathy

what if there was no wind for several days, it would look like trash in your grass! I know it's a fire hazard if you don't clean the filter.

KarenSimon

The lint can build up in your flue and cause a fire hazard. Clean the lint trip everytime you run your dryer.

lynnie

it also prevents fires inthe machine by keeping the lint out of the moving parts and away from the heating coil.

Maribeth

I was sure there was a good reason and I did put it back in the dryer, but I hadn't thought about how it would look building up on the lawn. Thanks to all of you for confirming the fire hazard, the neighbors would be quite annoyed with me if I burn down the row of townhouses. I was thinking that maybe the birds could use the lint for their nests. We just had a couple mourning doves move in under the deck within the last few weeks. I know several people on here have posted that they put out fabric and thread scraps for the birds to use.

grann of 6

Well, for one thing that lint can get trapped in the tube going outside and cause a fire. I wouldn't want that lint flying around outside and then getting back inside my house, not too good to breathe those tiny particles. I always clean the lint out as soon as I have the clothes out of the dryer. And I always check it before I put another load in. You should really check down in where the lint filter is on your dryer to make sure none is trapped in there. I have a special brush to clean that out; don't want any fires here.

watterstide

make sure, if you use dryer sheets, that you wash it with soap and water,occasionally..a film tends to build up on the mesh..and stops the dryer from working the way it should.

with 3 teenage kids in the house,years ago..my husband had a big note attached to the dryer door:

"7 out of 10 house fires are caused by failing to clean the lint trap out after EVERY Load" (lint build up in the hose)

amma

Yep, washing that lint screen saves you money... When it gets plugged the air doesn't flow very well.
Take it to the sink and fill it with water, it may look clean, but you would be surprised to see that the water doesn't flow out of it :wink:
Dish soap and and a brush cleans them up really well :D:D:D

mommaB

Lint is really really flammable..we use it as a fire starter when we teach flint and steel fire starting methods to cub scouts!!! One good spark and walaa...fire!! Its also a good idea to get a lint trap brush and get down in the lint trap slot every now and then.. I also change the flexible vent tube every few years. I also rarely if every have the dryer running when I'm not home to keep an eye on it. I'm not normally so paranoid about anything, but for some reason (perhaps the number of house fires I've read or heard about!!) I'm a little cautious with the dryer :-)

purplemem

I've had 2 dryers catch on fire while drying clothes. On one, the thermostat that tells the dryer how hot to get went out. The dryer and laundry area went up in flames. The second, the outlet was struck by lightening while the dryer was running. Fried all the circuits on that wall, and of course, the dryer.

One time I had a huge, huge rat come in through the dryer vent. That was a frightening surprise.

No one was hurt in either of the fires. I faithfully clean the lint trap.