Lint build-up how do i clean the lint build-up from around & under the lint screen? also, what is the best way to clean the lint filter? thanks, rick e-mail- [email protected]

Hi,
There is no other filter to clean other then the one lint filter.
I would check the dryer vent to make sure it's not restricted with lint build up or has any kinks in it. Also check the outside flapper at the end of the dryer vent to make sure it's clear of lint and able to open all the way.
If your dryer vent is ok and the lint screen is clean then I would remove the front of the dryer and check the blower/fan housing for lint build up.

You should post model number and manufacturer for better answers, but all dryers have an exhaust duct that builds up lint in it over time. I take mine apart every few years and it always has lint built up in the exhaust before it even gets out to the vent pipe. Mine is a Kenmore/Roper, and to take the exhaust duct out you take out two screws from the top under the lint filter door, and then take off the back cover and remove four screws from the duct itself. Then I scrape it out and/or vacuum it with my shop vac. I'm heading away from the computer for the night, but if you post model information I'll take a look tomorrow evening, or one of the other experts here can help you out.
Best wishes, and thanks for using FixYa!

Remove your lint filter. Now remove the waffled plastic that covers the lint filter slot. Hint, its inside the dryer, and there's two screws holding it in. Be careful when you pull it out, because there's two wires connected to the metal strip on the bottom edge of it. That metal strip is either the temperature or moisture sensor, I bet. Don't drop the screws into the lint filter slot. If yours is like mine, you'll find that a lot of lint has built up around the contacts for those two wires. Carefully clean all the lint (use soft toothbrush), and reinstall. While you have it opened up, stick your vacuum's crevice tool down inside the lint filter slot and clean up all the lint in there as best you can. Problem solved. I think the build up of lint was shorting the two contacts, and this was screwing up the electronics.

This is going to sound like an owners manual but here goes:

1. Keeping the lint filters clean after each load is every important.
a. if you use dryer sheets (bounce etc) you should clean you lint filter with vinegar about every 90 days. The material from the dryer sheets collects on the lint filter. It will appear clean but will restrict airflow.

2. All air passages must be kept clear:

a. Around the lint filter (look deep and hard) clean with crevice tool

b. At the rear connection of the dryer check the vent ducting for obstructions. It can appear clean yet have a caked build up inside the ducting that restricts airflow.

c. The through the wall vent ducting flapper.

Other than the lint filter the is the leading cause of ducting restrictions. Lint can build up on BOTH sides of the flapper so it keeps it from fully opening or closing and restricts airflow.

Thermistors are there to prevent your dryer from burning down your home. The thermistor is doing its job.

Sorry for sounding like an owners manual / user guide but everything above I see over and over and over..... and over. People say the ducting lint filter and thru the wall vent are clear... Yet I go out there and they pay me to prove them wrong.

Thanks for using FixYa.

Kelly

This may sound a bit over simplified but when a dryer starts to get hot inside it is a sign of an airflow problem.

Start with the outside vent flapper. Check to see if there is lint build up on the flapper / louvers.

Pull off the vent hose and check for lint build up. If the vent hose is a flexible plastic hose they have a tendancy to clog with lint in the sprials and then the lint contines to build up until airflow is restricted.

After checking external vents and ducts next remove the lint filter. If you use dryer sheets wash the filter with white vinegar to remove the build up. It may appear clean but the material from the dryer sheets clogs the filters.

In the area around the lint filter check the ducting / air passages for lint build up and clean it.

In the process of all the cleaning do NOT use anything sharp. A vacuum crevice tool and a Looped metal coat hanger do wonders for cleaning assistance.

Before you reconnect the dryer vent try running the dryer with a light load of anything wet to see if it drys properly with the vent disconnected. After that reconnect the vent and repeat the same drying test to see if the drying times are close to the same.

This should solve your hot dryer problem.. If it does not then respond here and we can talk about taking your dryer apart.

Thanks for using FixYa.

Kelly


the air flow out of the dryer it should be a very high volume.

Whnn a dryer is hot but does not dry the clothes it is a very good indication that the dryer vent, ducting and or internal air passages are clogged with lint build up. Also if you use dryer sheets the lint filter itself can appear clean but actually be clogged up with the softener material from the dryer sheets.

Clean all of the air ducts and passages with a crevice tool. Pull the lint filter and clean UNDER and around the lint filter. Make sure to go outside and remove any lint build up from the vent flapper. Pull the lint filter and wash it with white wine vinegar and a soft brush on BOTH sides. For some of the hard to reach areas a folded un half coat hanger works great for losening lint in those areas. DO NOT use anything sharp.

The dryer needs loads of air moving through the ducts to work properly. You may feel air movement but it should be a very high volume air flow. After a good thorough cleaning your dryer should return to normal operation.

Thanks for using FixYa!

Kelly

Normally you just roll the lint off the screen and use the lint ball to collect any small bits left over. Rarely, you may need to wash the filter with hot water and detergent to clear any residual fabric softener build-up. Be sure to dry thoroughly before putting it back. 

Hello,
Here is a link to an exploded view and parts list for your dryer. http://www.pcappliancerepair.com/model-display.php
If you are certain that the filter is not compromised or damaged and is properly seated into the housing , you may have a problem with the housing itself whereby lint is getting into the blower thru a break in that housing.. I would examine that area for damage.. and make sure when you reinsert the filter, it is seated all the way down.. Hope this helps you... BTW: over time, it is not unusual for lint to build up in the duct since some of that lint is smaller than the filter media and will work its way thru.. If you are getting that degree of lint build up very quickly then you may have a problem as mentioned above..
Regards,
Rick

I don't know if there is a cure for this. Bosch never answers my calls or my e-mails, but I have found that by blowing in the hose to disengage the lint collecting there and then sucking out the line will remove nearly all of the build up amd drying will resume.

Sounds like a ventilation issue. Remove the dryer vent tube and take a leaf blower to it and try to blow it out as best as you can. Also check outside to see if something is blocking the vent. Birds and mice love to build nests in that nice warm vent tube. The ole leaf blower will remove these nice little woodland creatures with force, yet its totally humane, and wont hurt them a bit. If this doesnt work, you may have to run to your local building supply center or hardware store and get one of those inexpensive brushes that you can use to clean out your lint areas. A good test to see if you have good airflow is to remove your lint filter (if its a top filter), turn on the unit, and drop a small piece of lint down the tunnel. If it zooms right down, then its good. If it just kinda hangs around, its not that good. If you have a way to check the entire length of the vent tube, look to be sure that there is no dips or kinks. Also, remember that the shortest and straightest vent tube, is the best vent tube. Let me know how it turns out, or if you need further information. Good Luck!!!! Jim