Here's a great tip for extending the life of your clothes dryer and potentially lowering your electric bill. Every six months, pull the lint filter out and wash it thoroughly with hot, soapy water and a brush (toothbrush will do). If you use dryer sheets, this is especially important because they can leave a fine film - waxy buildup if you will - over the filter's mesh that can burn out the dryer's heating unit. The film is not visible but if you run hot water over the filter, the water may collect on rather than run through the mesh, indicating buildup. Sure sounds like an easy way to avoid a headache or worse down the road. For more: www.aroundhawaii.com/lifestyle/food/2010-01-money-saving-and-time-saving-household-tips.html