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]