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Money-saving

Deep-clean the dryer lint trap housing

Lint slips past the screen and builds up in the housing your screen sits in, restricting airflow.

How often
Yearly
Who
DIY
Typical cost
Free
Time
20 min

Why this matters

Lint slips past the screen and builds up in the housing your screen sits in, restricting airflow.

If you skip it: Hidden lint buildup is both a fire risk and the reason loads take two cycles to dry.

Who should do it

This is a do-it-yourself task. With basic tools and a few minutes, most homeowners can handle it without hiring anyone.

When to do it

There's no special season for this — just keep it on a once a year rhythm so it doesn't slip.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I deep-clean the dryer lint trap housing?+
Plan to deep-clean the dryer lint trap housing once a year. Lint slips past the screen and builds up in the housing your screen sits in, restricting airflow.
How much does it cost to deep-clean the dryer lint trap housing?+
It typically runs Free. This is a do-it-yourself task. With basic tools and a few minutes, most homeowners can handle it without hiring anyone.
What happens if I skip it?+
Hidden lint buildup is both a fire risk and the reason loads take two cycles to dry.