“Help prevent dryer fires” for only $39.50, plus shipping, with Lint Alert.“

I was disgusted when I read this in the March 2011 “Consumer Reports Magazine”.

Why?

Because the last line said: “You still should clean the dryer duct periodically.”

Duh.

I can save you $39.50, plus shipping, by telling you to clean the dryer duct regularly, not periodically.

(You can get a dryer vent cleaning kit at http://www.flylady.net for $15.95 plus shipping.)

Lint build up in the duct not only causes fires, but it makes your dryer work harder. If there is not good air flow it takes much longer for the clothes to dry.

This is not only hard on your clothes, it also shortens the life of the dryer.

It is imperative that you clean out the lint trap after every load. If your clothes are taking a long time to dry, you may need to wash the lint trap.

That’s right, I said wash it.

Fabric softener sheets leave a waxy build up on the lint trap over time. The way to test your lint trap is to run water through it. If the water doesn’t go through, you have the waxy build up. I wash mine with soap, water and a scrub brush.

Another great tip to extend the life of your dryer is to dry everything on the permanent press cycle. It does not heat up as much, extending the life of the heating element.

My dryer came to me second-hand from my dad. He wanted to buy a new washer and dryer before he retired. His washer had broken down, but the dryer was still working.

He retired in 2006 and I am still using this dryer he purchased years before.

Of course, the best way to extend the life of your dryer is to hang your clothes out during nice weather.

Did you know hanging your clothes out can cost more than drying them in the dryer?

Yes it can, if you have allergies. Sleeping on sheets and wearing clothes that are full of pollen can wreak havoc with your allergies. What you would save in electricity or gas would be spent on doctor’s visits and medication.

You have to decide what works best for your family.