Washing your dryer lint screen

[KristaTX]

Did you know you're actually supposed to wash your dryer lint screen occasionally? I didn't until today. I'd noticed mine seemed "filmy" and that the laundry seemed slow to dry.

After a bath in some Dawn and a tub of hot water, my filter is all shiny again. Before I washed it I put some water and it, and sure enough it just beaded up. After washing the screen, the water flowed right on through like it (or actually the water vapor) is supposed to.

Here's an article http://brokensecrets.com/2010/08/05/your-dryers-lint-filter-should-be-washed/

 

[Derby4me]

Thanks for sharing. I never wound have thought if that.

 

[Conservative Hippie]

I didn't know either...my dryer is at least 15 years old! I will do it today!

 

[Janepod]

Fabric softener sheets are what make it filmy. If you don't use them, it will be linty and dusty but not filmy - much easier to clean!

 

[minnie mum]

Fabric softener sheets are what make it filmy. If you don't use them, it will be linty and dusty but not filmy - much easier to clean!

Exactly what I was going to post. I can't use dryer sheets due to allergies. Never had a problem with film buildup in 40 years of doing my own laundry.

 

[KristaTX]

Fabric softener sheets are what make it filmy. If you don't use them, it will be linty and dusty but not filmy - much easier to clean!

Exactly what I was going to post. I can't use dryer sheets due to allergies. Never had a problem with film buildup in 40 years of doing my own laundry.

I have to use them with certain loads or everything is static-y or wrinkly. I've tried not using them. I've tried the dryer balls and they didn't work. I don't want to use the fabric softener products that go in the washer, and I don't want to use one of those Bounce stick-on things that goes in the dryer. And I think laundry dried outside stinks. So dryer sheets it is. It's one of my environmental vices.

It took me about 5 minutes to clean it. It wasn't difficult at all.

 

[MnMomtoboys]

Have you ever tried vinegar in the washing machine? I've used it for a few years and now only need to use dryer sheets in winter. And then I tear them in 1/2.

 

[KristaTX]

I have tried vinegar in the washing machine, but it hasn't really helped the static issue.

However, I just did a search and came across this http://greenliving.nationalgeographic.com/diy-ecofriendly-dryer-sheets-20183.html . Maybe I'll try that.

 

[PeterPanic]

Have you ever tried vinegar in the washing machine? I've used it for a few years and now only need to use dryer sheets in winter. And then I tear them in 1/2.

Yea, but all my laundry smelled like pickles!

 

[Buckalew11]

Vinegar is great for sweaty smelling clothes. DH and I both runner and the worst part is lots of stinky running clothes!

I do use those fabric softener sheets sometimes--I cut all of mine in 1/2.

I never knew to wash the screen. I'll do that tonight! Along with the vent screen thing above my stove.