Every dryer has a lint filter, and no one ever thinks of that. This little mesh screen is placed in the very beginning of the drying process right in the door or above the dryer and gathers all the fabric fibers. Only when clothes are drying too long or when the next utility bill becomes a disaster, the whole process takes 15 seconds – the easiest home maintenance.

And here is what happens when you neglect cleaning the lint filter in your dryer. Because of the clog from the thick layer of the lint, the air circulation in the drum is affected seriously and the machine has to put much effort into moving hot air through your clothes. Your clothes are getting wet, you have to dry your jeans two times, and basically watch the machine being worn out. The worst thing is that clogged filters are a fire hazard and this is something to think about.

The process of cleaning the dryer filter is as follows. All you have to do is to open the door of the machine or remove its lid (depends on the type of the appliance, for example, Maytag dryer is a front loader, while older Kenmore is a top loader). Then, you just have to remove the filter – a small plastic tray with the mesh screen – and clean the screen with your hands or a dryer lint brush if the filter has a thick layer of the lint.

And here is how often you should do it. Not monthly, but after each and every cycle. It has to be done as regularly as you brush your teeth, although the process is even easier, since you literally just need to pull it out. If there is some residue or gunk on the filter, you may wash it with some warm water and dish soap. After drying, place it back.

Once a month, it is time to vacuum the cavity where your filter is located. It does not collect all the lint, and sometimes it is left behind in this cavity. Although you do not have to do anything special, a long flexible brush kit (it costs around $10 on Amazon) would help you in case you own Holikme or Sealegend brand.

Your clothes will actually be dried in shorter cycles, which is the big electricity saving.