You're accustomed to scraping linty scraps off of your dryer filter after you've finished a load of laundry, but dryer sheets, fabric softener, and fabric softener sheets leave a film on your screen that you can't remove quite so easily.

When the lint trap in a clothes dryer is not deep cleaned regularly, three things can happen:

1. It can cause the dryer's motor to work harder and longer, which can eventually wear out the motor.
2. If the motor is working harder, it will also work slower, meaning your clothes will take longer to dry.
3. A clogged dryer vent will block the air flowing through the machine, causing the dryer to use more energy to heat itself and possibly become so overheated that it catches fire.

To prevent this, be sure to remove the excess lint from the filter after each load of laundry. You'll also want to deep clean the screen every 6 to 8 weeks, using the directions below, to keep your dryer running efficiently and safely.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Fill a large container or your sink with about 4 cups of hot water. Add about 1 ounce of Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner. Agitate the water to mix.
2. Pull out your lint trap and remove all of the excess lint with your hand or a vacuum cleaner hose attachment.
3. Place the lint trap into the hot water and allow it to soak for 10 minutes.
4. Use a sponge, rag, or nylon brush to remove the loosened residue.
5. Rinse completely with clean water.
6. Dry the lint screen carefully with a clean towel.
7. Allow it to air dry completely before replacing it in your dryer.
8. If necessary, gently vacuum the space where the dryer filter sits to remove the lint located there.