How to clean your dryer to keep it working longer, according to experts

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It makes sense that you may never think about cleaning your dishwasher or washing machine, since unlike the stuff you wash in them, you don’t interact with them much. The same could be said for your dryer, but just like the aforementioned appliances, your dryer does need to be cleaned from time to time.

Cleaning home appliances that you use nearly every day keeps them functioning properly and saves you money. Think about it: A few dollars for products and an hour of your time now spares you from paying a repairperson later, or worst case scenario, needing to replace your dryer altogether.

So to find the best methods and products for cleaning a dryer, I spoke to multiple home cleaning experts for their recommendations, which I talk more about below.

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Before you start the process you’ll want to grab some highly-rated materials to help you get the job done. All of the products below are either recommendations from our experts or editors, and/or have at least a 4-star average rating on Amazon from 500 or more shoppers. Some selections are also based on products we’ve covered before.

This kit comes with an 8.5-inch bristle brush that lets you clean in and around your dryer vent to remove dust and lint. The rod you attach to the brush is available in several lengths up to 30 feet and it’s bendable, making it easy to clean in the crevice of the dryer vent without much hassle.

The kit also comes with a 4-inch wide bristle brush that you can use to clean the inside of the dryer’s exhaust duct, which is a wide, hose-like structure attached to the back of your dryer and the wall. You can also attach the wide brush to a power drill and use it to lift away lint from the inside of the duct, according to the brand. Since the cleaning process involves touching and removing a lot of dust and dirt, you may also want to use gloves, which the kit doesn’t include.

This set includes a bendable brush, hose attachment and an adapter that allows you to use the vacuum you already have to clean the inside of your dryer vent, as well as the dryer lint screen and the inside of the exhaust duct. While many vacuums come with their own hose and crevice attachments, some of them aren’t always the right length, so they won’t always be able to get into the vent. With this attachment kit, you can connect it to your vacuum’s hose or crevice tool, essentially extending its overall reach. Plus, this allows you to clean the duct thoroughly without having to put your hand in it.

This popular dishwashing spray is one of NBC Selected’s most recommended cleaning products, and it’s not just for dishes. It’s great for cleaning many surfaces around the home, including screens and filters from a dryer vent or window air conditioner. Spray it on the dryer vent screen after removing it, rinse it with water and allow it to dry before putting it back in the vent. It has a light clean fragrance which I love and it doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals that attach to your hands, like bleach or peroxide. This set includes one spray bottle and three refills.

When I wrote a guide on how to clean stainless steel appliances, I recommended microfiber cleaning clothes like these. The cloths are great for cleaning many surfaces, including the steel exterior of your dryer, because they’re soft and they don’t leave scratches or marks. Plus, microfiber cloths can help buff the outside of your appliance and give it a luxe, shiny appearance. NBC Selected senior editor Shalwah Evans loves using microfiber cloths for wiping the outside of appliances made from stainless steel.

Follow the expert-recommended steps below for cleaning your dryer. Consider using the products above to help.

1. While you don’t have to clean the entire dryer that often, it’s most important that you regularly clean the lint trap (the screen in the lining of the door) regularly, according to Ryan Knoll, founder of home cleaning company TidyCasa. Aside from simply wiping away the lint, you can do things to clean it more thoroughly, he says.
2. To clean the lint trap and the compartment it slides into, use the crevice and hose attachment tool from your vacuum or a hose attachment kit, like the Holikme Dryer Vent Cleaner Kit with Lint Vacuum Attachment & Brush, to clean the lint on the screen. Then use it to clean the inside of the compartment. You can also use a long bristle brush, like the one included in the Holikme kit, to clean the lint on the inside of the compartment.
3. To clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct, you’ll need a long bristle brush and a wide brush that you can attach to a long rod, such as from the Holikme Dryer Vent Cleaner Kit, to be able to reach the inside of the duct. The kit includes a nylon rod that attaches to a power drill, so that you can put the brush attachments inside the duct and rotate it to lift the lint before using the vacuum and hose suck it out.

Cleaning the screen that traps lint frequently is most important, according to Knoll. “Clean the lint trap every time before or after you use the dryer,” says Knoll. “Clean the dryer vent itself every two to three years. We’re talking deep hose clean-out, either sucking lint out or pushing it through the vent.” The dryer vent includes the exhaust duct (the silver hose-like structure made from aluminum) on the back.

Yes, the lint that collects in and around the dryer vent and lint trap can block air from the dryer and, in addition to preventing your clothes from drying, can lead to a fire, according to Becky Rapinchuk, owner of cleaning brand and site Clean Mama*. This is why she recommends cleaning the screen frequently, including with warm water and soap.

“Vacuum the lint trap housing regularly. Clean the dryer vent hose or duct at least once or twice a year to keep airflow strong and drying times short,” she says. “Wipe the drum occasionally, and clean the moisture sensors (inside the drum) with a little rubbing alcohol on a cloth to remove residue that causes inaccurate dryness sensing.”

*Any product recommendations in this story were made independently of Rapinchuk, who we only consulted for guidance. We did not ask her for product recommendations.

Make a note of how your clothes feel after drying them once — they may still be damp after drying for a long time. “If your dryer isn’t drying your clothes as well as it used to, that’s a good sign it needs a cleaning,” says Knoll. This is because lint is trapped on the screen of the dryer vent, which stops air from getting through and drying clothes properly, according to Knoll.

At NBC Selected, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

• Ryan Knoll is the founder of home cleaning company TidyCasa.
• Becky Rapinchuk is the founder of cleaning brand and site Clean Mama.*

*Any product recommendations in this story were made independently of Rapinchuk, who we only consulted for guidance. We did not ask her for product recommendations.

I’m a commerce editor at NBC Selected, where I write about home and kitchen appliances, cleaning and lifestyle. I’ve written about how to clean stainless steel appliances, the best shower cleaners and the best way to clean grout and mildew. For this story, I spoke to multiple home cleaning experts for their guidance and product recommendations.

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