Don't Toss Paper Towel Rolls: Use Them To Clean Your Dryer Lint Trap

Every year, clothes dryers lead to thousands of house fires in the U.S., according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Out of those, about 26% of fires are caused by trapped lint, dust, and fiber. Considering this hidden fire hazard in your house, you should avoid letting the fluff build up and clean your lint filter and the associated trap after each use. However, if you're finding it difficult to get a squeaky-clean trap with your vacuum alone, your empty paper towel rolls can come in handy. Simply fit the cardboard tube over the hose attachment and flatten it out to target the hard-to-reach spots in the trap.

This is a nifty solution that will help you minimize the chances of a dryer fire. Plus, it'll save you money, as you won't have to spend your hard-earned dollars on dedicated plastic attachments or dryer-specific kits. Moreover, it's a great way to make the best out of waste. And in case you don't have an empty paper towel roll at the moment, feel free to repurpose empty wrapping paper tubes or reuse toilet paper cardboard tubes in a jiffy. Ready to kick hidden lint out of your clothes dryer? Grab your vacuum, a compatible hose attachment, an empty cardboard tube, and a roll of masking tape.

If you've never really cleaned your dryer lint trap, start by locating it. You'll generally find it within the door, facing the drum. If you don't see it there, check your model's user manual. Once you locate it, use your hand to clear out as much lint buildup as you can. You may have to do this more than once if you've never cleaned the filter before. Then, gently lift the screen out of the slot and soak it in a soapy water solution for a few minutes to give it a deep clean.

In the meantime, get your vacuum, fit the hose attachment in place, and slide your empty cardboard tube on top and flatten its open end. If it doesn't fit in snugly and seems a bit loose, wrap a bit of masking tape on top to ensure it doesn't come loose during the cleaning process. It'll also prevent the fluff inside from spraying out willy-nilly and dirtying your home. Now, power on your vacuum and use your extended attachment (the paper towel roll) to suction away the trapped lint from the slit. Bend and move it as you like to get the hidden crevices. While at it, move your vacuum over the door and the area surrounding the trap as well to eliminate all the fluff from inside your dryer and minimize the chances of an unwarranted fire. When you're done, slide off the tube and save it again for later. As for the filter, gently scrub it with a brush, rinse it with clear water, and dry it completely before returning it back to its chamber.