Problem with Lint

Over time fluffy fabric particles can transform into archeological finds.    

Our dryer went on the fritz.

It made all the right sounds but would only produce wet items.

Prior to this, our machine had been in a drying frenzy. Clothes were hot to the touch by the time we retrieved them. Even in the OFF position, the machine would keep spinning. Sometimes spontaneously turning itself on even when it was empty. This situation was managed by wedging a magazine to keep the door from engaging.

The washer was also problematic. It tended to take a walk when the clothes became unbalanced. A short-term solution involved rigging a piece of wire that kept the inside bucket nice and steady.

But it was time to think about replacements.

So we had a new Whirlpool washer and dryer delivered. The old set with the quirky personalities were loaded on the truck and hauled away.

Time to deal with the mound of laundry that had piled up.

The new washer not only cleaned the clothes but kept them tangle-free after the spin cycle. A definite plus.

The new dryer was the problem. The door opened, the light went on (a really fun feature) but it took three 70-minute cycles to dry one load. Which seemed odd.

Was this an energy efficient feature that wasn’t advertised?

Decided to check the manual.

Yep, we installed a new gas line.

Yep, we installed a new vent.

The duct should be cleaned out twice a year. TWICE A YEAR.

Oh.

That is a problem.

Come to think of it, there have been times, over the years, when fluffy pieces of lint appeared on our front lawn.

Time to climb out our second story office window and see what was going on.

Found the problem.

Our lint build-up had choked off the top of the duct.

Gloved hands dug out the mess.

Now all is well.

The rest of the clothes dried super fast.

I will make a mental note.

Do not wait 16 years to do this again.