I'm not sure where to post this, so will start here. I was cleaning out the dryer's filter, and while I had it pulled out, a little piece of paper (maybe 3" or so) fluttered into the lint trap where the filter goes. Of course, it's a curving downward opening, and I can't even begin to stick my hand in it.

I pulled the dryer out from the wall to straighten out the air hose, and turned the dryer on very low heat to see what it would do. I think I heard it flutter into the hose.

My question is, since the air from the dryer releases through the attic and not an outside wall, is this something I need to be concerned about a fire hazard? I don't know if I can undo the hose from the dryer, I'm not that agile to climb over the washer to get behind it and unplug it, then squat down to remove the hose. I know, pathetic, but that's how it is.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

I'd suggest getting one of those specially made long dryer brushes. They are maybe $10. The paper WILL block the hose and cause a buildup of lint. That will make the dryer less efficient AND could cause a fire.

if that doesn't work, you will need to take off the hose and empty it.. That may be a DIY project or you may need a pro. good luck. As one who has had a dryer fire, I can't recommend strongly enough to get this fixed fast.

Thanks, Kathy. I didn't realize they made those dryer brushes, so I'll look for one. Think someplace like Home Depot might have it?

I have one of those dryer brushes and, yes, you can get them at Home Depot, Lowes, Ace Hardware and such. However, I don't think I would go that route. You might just shove it further down into the hose creating an even worse fire hazard. Instead try a vacuum attachment to see if you can suction it out.

If that doesn't work and you aren't physically able to climb over the washer to get to the hose yourself (and I hear you there ~ last time I did it, it was a challenge! ), I would hire a professional (like a dryer/appliance repair person) to retrieve it. It is very important to get it out ~ BIG fire hazard until you do. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

Thanks IR. That thought crossed my mind too, about pushing it in further. My vacuum attachment isn't flexible to go down the lint trap. I'll be calling in a professional I'm sure.

I'll keep you posted. I've heard several comments in the last few months about fires caused by lint, so I know it's something that needs to be taken care of.

And I wanted to add, that it is important to clean out your dryer hose every so often. At least a couple times a year. Lint just has a way of building up in the hose. Dryers are pretty light. You might be able to pull the dryer forward enough to get behind the dryer, if your hose is long enough. Otherwise you'll have to find someone to help you get that job done!

Those fabric softener sheets tend to "gum" the lint together and compacts it. Every so often I go outside and clean all the lint out from around the discharge flap.

I have quite a 'run' from the dryer, through the office cabinet to the outside wall (middle of the house laundry room here too). I need to pickup one of those brooms. I can pull the dryer away from the wall, but then it will against the chest freezer. My problem is...I'm not skinny enough to squeeze through the narrow crack to get to the back...thinking out loud...that would mean pulling the dryer forward, then the washing machine...I think I could do that.

Oh...I don't use fabric softener - liquid or sheets. Ssshhh...don't tell DH.

Hopefully someone will be here tomorrow or Friday. One place I called, an appliance repair shop, the lady who answered said, "we only repair appliances, we don't clean." Excuse me? The next person had no problem coming out.