How To Clean Lint From Maytag Dryer

It's common practice to clean the dryer lint trap after every load, but did you know lint collects in other places in your dryer? Over time, lint can collect and clog the many vents and ducts of your dryer. This can lead to inefficiencies and even fire hazards. So how do you know if your Maytag dryer vent is clogged?

Signs Your Maytag Dryer Vent is Clogged

There are a few telltale signs that won't leave you questioning, "How do I know if my Maytag dryer is clogged?":

Dryer Takes Too Long

A big sign that your Maytag dryer vent is clogged is when it takes multiple cycles to dry your clothes. A blocked dryer vent traps hot, moist air, leaving your clothes damp after the dry cycle finishes.

Dryer is Hot to the Touch

A hot dryer is a huge red flag. When a vent is clogged, your dryer can't expel hot air and moisture. Your dryer has to work much harder to get rid of the moisture and causes a buildup of heat. Eventually, your dryer will overheat, resulting in a hot exterior which presents a potential fire hazard.

Burning Smell Coming from Dryer

A concerning symptom of a clogged dryer vent is a burning smell. Parts within your dryer to give off this smell since they are working twice as hard to dry your clothes. If this goes on for too long, permanent damage to your unit can occur.

Lint Buildup Outside Vent Opening

Have you noticed more lint than usual when cleaning the lint trap? Often a sign that you've fallen back on dryer maintenance is excess lint in and outside the lint trap opening.

How to Clean a Maytag Dryer Vent

If you've determined that your Maytag dryer vent is clogged, you're probably wondering how to clean a dryer vent. We've got you covered. With this simple step-by-step guide, it's easy!

#1 – Clean the Lint Trap

If you don't clean the lint trap after every load, now is the time to get in the habit. Pull out the trap and remove any lint by hand. Next, use a vacuum with an attachment to remove any remaining lint. Go the extra mile and hand wash the lint trap with soapy water and a soft brush. This removes wax build-up from fabric softeners.

#2 – Clean the Lint Trap Vent

Over time, lint builds up deep in the lint trap vent, where the trap itself is housed. Since this area has some heard to reach places, the next step to clean a Maytag dryer vent requires a little assistance from a vacuum attachment.

Just attach to the hose, turn on your vacuum, and maneuver the nozzle around the lint trap vent until you feel you removed all the lint that you can.

#3 – Clean the Dryer Vent

The last step requires a little heavy lifting. Unplug the dryer and move it so you can access the dryer vent duct in the back of the unit. Use a vacuum hose to suck out any lint clogging the duct.

For flexible dryer ducts, be gentle when removing lint. Doing otherwise may damage it. Because this step requires a little more precision and expertise, it's beneficial to hire a professional dryer vent cleaning expert.

Tip: keep on top of dryer maintenance by doing this every 6 months!

If you're still experiencing issues with your Maytag dryer after cleaning the vent, give GFY Appliance Repair a call to schedule a dryer repair appointment.