What is the best solution to cleaning out my lint trap in my dryer. I tried to use my vacuum cleaner, but my attachments are too big for the small opening I have. I've seen those brushes, but thought using one of those would just push the lint deeper. Anyone have any suggestions on what works the best? Thanks!
About once a year, we disconnect the dryer vent from the wall and use the long brush to clean it from both directions. They do make a vacuum attachment, but it doesn't really have enough suction to do much in my experience. Here's a link to one on Amazon...not very good reviews. http://www.amazon.com/Dryer-Ve...chment/dp/B00028I1M4
I use a brush and the vacuum hose (without attachment) to knock the lint loose, vacuuming what I can. Then I turn the dryer on "air fluff" to blow the rest of the loose stuff to the outdoors. Works well enough.
I do pretty much the same as nettie. I find I have other uses for that brush too...like getting under my freezers & fridge instead of trying to move everything. I also take it outside & clean out my vent pipe as far as it will reach from out there too. I do the hose seperately once or twice a year...the one from the dryer to the vent pipe.
"The soil is the source of life, creativity, culture and real independence." David Ben-Gurion
Hard to know what everyone else is referencing when it comes to "brushes" so here are my suggestions - use them all and then - ~drum roll~ pull your dryer out away from the wall and start from there.
Yes, it takes a lot of energy and muscle but it's worth it in the end. Bottom line, the "stuff" gets stuck somewhere between the dryer and the outside vent - THAT IS WHERE FIRES HAPPEN - so good for you, "call me ann," that you are taking action! Just don't stop with the "brushes!"
Not long ago I bought one of the Lint Lizards from BB&B. Our LG Trom (large dryer) actually had a lot of lint under the drum area. It either gets past the lint screen or through the small holes in the drum itself? I hooked the lint lizard up to the dyson hose and was amazed at the nearly full bin of lint it was able to collect, just under the drum. Once a year I also pull the dryer out from the wall and disconnect all the vent tubes and clean/vacuum them out too. It really helps the dryer run more efficiently, and quicker drying time equals money saved!
I found a brush on a long bendable handle at my hardware store. It kind looks like a bottle brush, but much longer. Anyway, I run that along the space left when I take out my lint catcher. It does a pretty good job of getting the lint that escapes into the dryer front.
I also clean out the back of the dryer vent a couple times a year. It is amazing how much collects there. I just reach in my hand and grab it. Then use the same long brush to catch any stragglers.
