Everyone knows how important it is to remove the lint in the lint trap of the clothes dryer after each load, but that is NOT enough! Dryer sheets (the fabric softener most of us use!) cause a film over the mesh on the lint trap. This will eventually burn out the heating unit on your dryer! Worst case scenario you could have a fire! The best way to tell if you have a potential fire hazard is simple! Remove the lint screen and take it to the sink. Run hot water over it. If it lays on the top you have a build up that will cause you to use more electricity, might burn out your heating unit, and worst of all cause a fire! To prevent this, at least every 6 months, wash the trap in hot soap water, use an old toothbrush to scrub the screen, until water runs through.