You probably clean the lint filter in your clothes dryer because you don't like the idea that pesky fibers might get loose and tumble around with your clean clothes-not to mention the fact that it can be a fire hazard. But in addition to being a safety precaution, cleaning your lint filter after every load saves energy. When the lint trap is clogged, air can't move through the clothes as efficiently as it should, which means you'll add more drying time. You should also remove the lint that accumulates underneath the lint trap.

To further boost energy efficiency, you should periodically inspect your dryer vent to make sure it isn't blocked, since lint can build up there as well. The Department of Energy explains that the flap on the outside hood should be able to open and close with ease. If it doesn't, you might need to have the ducts professionally cleaned.

To go a bit greener: You can reduce the loads of laundry that go into the dryer by taking advantage of cost-free and energy-efficient air to dry some of your clothing. If you don't have a backyard with a clothesline, you can hang your clothes on the shower rod to dry, or place them on a foldable drying rack. Start by air-drying only a few bulky items, which might help to reduce the amount of drying time needed for your other clothes.

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