Not only should you clean the dryer itself but the exhaust tube which
will and does get clogged over the years, probably less years when we
do all this extra fuzzy laundry. I moved to this house 7 years ago,
have been having lots of fosters for 5 years, and a couple years ago I
noticed how much longer it took to dry a big load. Also the pattern of
lint on the screen was different and more diffused. I had the vent
professionally cleaned by a duct cleaning service and oh, my , how much
junk was in there. Many houses around here in the southwest have the
vent going up in the wall and out the roof, due to the concrete block
walls and that's how mine is. Horizontal vents you may be able to take
apart and get in there with a special brush and a Shop Vac.

Last April I wrote about cleaning the pump on the front-loader washer.
I had the dryer tuned up at the same time and was surprised at all the
lint inside the frame. I had the technician remove the tumbling vanes
which are accessible from the outside of the drum to remove the lint
buildup inside them.

I have seen a different brand of washer that has a built-in door to
open and clean out the pump every two months. I believe it is a
Samsung. I would look into that if I ever wish to replace my Kenmore.
October is Fire Prevention Month so this would be a great time to
clean the vents.

Carol J. Owens
Ferret Friends, Inc
Tucson AZ

[Posted in FML 6861]