How to Save Money with Lint

Today, it’s more important than ever to save money wherever we can. Cleaning your dryer lint screen before drying each load of clothes, is one quick and easy way to save money on your electric bill. According to the California Energy Commission, a dirty or clogged screen can increase your energy usage by 30%.

How to Clean the Screen

Cleaning the screen is simple. Detach the screen from the dryer, remove the lint by hand and reinstall the screen. If you use dryer sheets regularly, it’s also a good idea to wash the screen with warm, soapy water and a small scrub brush every six months. Dryer sheets cause a build up or film to accumulate on the screen. This build up can reduce airflow. Washing the screen removes the build up, improves airflow and lowers your utility bill.

Why Clean the Screen?

The process involved in drying clothes is simple. Warm, dry air is pumped into the dryer. As the clothes tumble, the warm air picks up moisture from the clothes. This moist air then passes first through the screen, then travels through the dryer vent, on it’s way to the outside. To properly dry clothes, there must good airflow throughout this process. If the screen is clogged, the airflow is reduced. It’s the reduction in airflow which increases both the drying time and your utility bill.

Besides increasing your utility bill, a clogged screen can shorten the life of your dryer by damaging the heating system. Keeping the screen clean will not only reduce your utility bill but can help extend the life of your dryer up to twice as long.

There are several products available to help you maximize your dryers efficiency, you can view these lint removal products here.

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