When it comes to doing laundry most of us are familiar with the annoying task of cleaning out the lint filter in our dryers.
But where does that lint come from and why does it keep accumulating? To answer these questions let’s take a closer look at what lint is and how it gets there.
What Is Lint?
Lint is tiny fibers of fabric that are released when clothes are dried in a dryer.
These fibers are created when fabrics are rubbed together or when fabric is abraded by the dryer drum or other components.
These fibers may come from cotton linen wool flannel fleece and other fabrics that can be dried in a dryer.
What Causes Lint To Accumulate?
Dryer lint can accumulate due to a few different reasons.
The first is that some fabrics simply create more lint than others such as cotton linen and flannel.
The second reason is that the lint filter may not be cleaned out regularly which allows lint to build up over time.
Finally the dryer vents or ducts may not be cleaned often enough which can cause lint to accumulate in the dryer and the vent system.
Why Is Dryer Lint a Problem?
When too much lint builds up inside the dryer it can cause the machine to overheat.
This can be dangerous as the lint can become highly flammable.
It can also cause the dryer to become less efficient as the lint can block the airflow and make it take longer for the clothes to dry.
How To Reduce Lint Accumulation
To reduce the amount of lint in your dryer be sure to clean out the lint filter after each load of laundry and check the dryer vents or ducts periodically for lint buildup.
Additionally it’s important to use only the recommended high-efficiency or low-heat settings on your dryer and to choose a dryer cycle that is appropriate for the type of fabric you are drying.
How to Prevent Dryer Lint Build-Up?
The best way to prevent dryer lint build-up is to clean the lint filter after every load of laundry.
You should also clean the walls and screen of the dryer every few months.
If you notice lots of lint building up you should consider changing the type of fabric softener you use as some can be more prone to producing lint.
Finally you should make sure the dryer is adequately ventilated as this will help to reduce lint build-up.
By following these easy steps you can help keep your lint filter and dryer vents clean and reduce the amount of lint that accumulates in your dryer.