This email forward provides information about a method of cleaning a dryer lint filter that will save electricity and prolong the life of the appliance.
The information in the message is basically true. Dryer sheets can, in fact, clog the lint filter in the way described. Asko appliances previously published the following information on its website:
Can my lint filter be clogged even though it appears clean?
Yes, the chemicals from fabric softener sheets can clog the filter. To test this, drop some water on it, if it runs through, it’s OK. If not, it’s clogged. This can easily be washed away with soap and water and a soft brush. We don’t recommend dryer sheets, but if you feel you need them, use only half a sheet and be sure to remove them after each load.
Also, the Asko DRYER USE AND CARE GUIDE includes the following recommendation:
We recommend that you do not use fabric softener sheets in the dryer. Over time, the chemicals on these sheets can build up inside the lint filter and clog the holes that circulate the air.
While the information about lint filters in the email is true, it is difficult to ascertain if the incident described (the conversation with “the Maytag guy”) actually occurred.
It may simply be a fictional tool to get the point of the message across.
In short, this tip is well worth heeding if you own a clothes dryer. If you use dryer sheets, it would be wise to scrub the lint filter periodically to remove any residue.
As well, general lint build-up can be a fire hazard and significantly reduce the efficiency of the appliance.
Example
Subject: A great tip for your Dryer
The guy from Maytag went into the dryer and pulled out the lint filter. It was clean. She says she always cleans the lint from the filter after every load of clothes. (I do too)
He told her that he wanted to show her and her hubby something. He took the filter over to the sink and ran hot water over it. Now, this thing is like a mesh – I’m sure you know what your dryer’s lint filter looks like – WELL……she said that the hot water just laid on top of the mesh!!! It barely dripped through it at all!! He told them that dryer sheets cause a film over that mesh and that’s what burns out the heating unit. You can’t SEE the film, but it’s there.
He said the best way to keep your dryer working for a very long time (and to keep your electric bill lower) is to take that filter out and wash it with hot soapy water and an old toothbrush (or other brush) at least every six months. Of course if you use the liquid softener, this doesn’t apply..does it?? Might not hurt to check anyhow..
He then told her that doing that makes the life of the dryer a lot longer and uses A LOT LESS ELECTRICITY!
I certainly didn’t know dryer sheets would do that. Now you all know me and how I doubt all that junk people send us from the internet that once you check with SNOPES.com, you find out is just not true…WELL…this time I didn’t check with SNOPES..figured I’d try it myself…so I got out my filter, ran water thru it…OR TRIED TO…but the water pretty much laid on top of the filter..very little went through..soooooooooo I got a toothbrush (not mine of course..I used Davids…KIDDINGGGGGGGG…it was an old one..lolol) and ran hot soapy water over the filter and scrubbed the daylights out of it..and now the water runs thru it like a champ..
The Maytag guy told my friend that the companies don’t want to tell you about that little trick because they won’t be selling heating units
As often..LOL.. ohhhhhh how wonderful corporate America can be….anyhow…hope this is good info for all of you…I sure liked getting it
Original Source : https://www.hoax-slayer.net/dryer-lint-filter-email/