Q&A: Do I need to remove dryer lint beyond what's caught on the screen?

Q: My new dryer recommends that lint be removed from inside the dryer cabinet every two years by a qualified servicer. I never had to do this with my 20-year-old dryer. Is it really necessary? —Mary Ann Mack, Phoenixville, PA

A: Your old clothes dryer manual probably recommended removing lint from the cabinet. That's to reduce buildup that the filter doesn't trap, which can catch fire. But getting to the lint isn't easy. If you don't want to call a professional, you might try Lint Lizard, an $11 device we tested that was effective at removing built-up lint.

For more helpful advice, see "101 secrets from our experts."

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