We're pretty good about cleaning out the lint trap screen after every (or every other) load of clothing, but I've never checked the flexible hose that leads from the back of the dyer to the outside vent.

My first step was to remove the lint trap screen and use a Swiffer duster to remove some of the lint in the recesses of the trap.

A better cleaning tool would be a long flexible dryer lint brush.

Then I unplugged the dryer and pulled it away from the wall to reveal a mess of pet hair and debris from years of neglect by us and the previous owners.

Detaching it from the dryer required a flathead screwdriver to loosen the metal hose clamp.

It was attached to the wall vent loosely with just a plastic zip tie.

I also used the vacuum to remove lint from inside the flex hose, the wall vent, and the hot air exhaust on the back of the dryer.

Then I used a new plastic zip or "cable" tie to secure the hose to the outside air vent.

There were some small holes in the hose, so I used metal foil duct tape to create a better seal around the hose.

The article on fire safety recommended cleaning out the dryer exhaust vents and pipe at least once a year.

It also encouraged everyone to treat a running dryer like a small child - never leave it unattended.

So that if a lint fire starts, you'll be there to put it out with a fire extinguisher and call the fire department.