Amana Dryer: broken lint trap

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Amana Dryer experiencing issues with a broken lint trap? A damaged lint screen or housing can lead to reduced airflow, causing lint to bypass the trap and affecting drying efficiency. If you notice cracks or improper seating, it's essential to address these issues to maintain optimal dryer performance.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Amana Models

  • Amana dryers use specific OEM lint filter parts; replacement lint screen part numbers vary by model and must match exactly for proper fit

Possible Causes

Damaged or cracked lint screen (filter)

How to Identify: Visible tears, holes, bent or warped frame on the lint filter; lint escaping around or past filter; poor lint capture.

Part: Lint screen (mesh filter)

Broken or cracked lint trap housing (holder or slot)

How to Identify: Filter will not seat snugly; housing plastic is visibly cracked or piece has fallen into trap area; lint bypasses trap despite intact filter.

Part: Lint trap housing/filter holder

Excess lint buildup or residue causing improper seating

How to Identify: Trap appears stuck or doesn’t slide fully; visible lint debris or residue in slot; dryer drying slowly.

Part: Lint trap slot and housing

DIY Solutions

Replace damaged lint screen

Easy 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: None or screwdriver if needed
  1. Unplug dryer or turn off power
  2. Pull out the old lint screen
  3. Order correct OEM replacement (match part number from existing filter)
  4. Insert new lint screen into slot until it seats properly
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure dryer is powered off during part change

Clean lint trap slot and housing

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: Vacuum with crevice tool, Lint brush or narrow brush
  1. Turn off and unplug the dryer
  2. Remove lint screen
  3. Use vacuum crevice tool to remove lint inside lint trap slot
  4. Use lint brush to dislodge any stuck debris
  5. Verify trap slides smoothly and seats fully
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure lint is fully removed as buildup can be a fire hazard

Temporary repair of cracked housing with adhesive

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: Fabric glue or epoxy suitable for plastic
  1. Remove lint screen
  2. Clean area around crack thoroughly
  3. Apply adhesive per manufacturer instructions to crack
  4. Allow adhesive to fully cure
  5. Reinstall lint screen and test fit
⚠️ Safety First: Not a permanent solution; ensure glue is rated for heat and safe

Professional Repairs

Replace lint trap housing assembly

Estimated Cost: $50–$120 for parts

Comprehensive dryer maintenance and internal cleaning

Estimated Cost: $100–$200 labor

When to Call a Professional

If the lint trap housing is broken and cannot be safely reassembled
If lint buildup is extensive inside the machine and affecting performance
If the dryer shows overheating, unusual smells, or safety concerns indicating more than just the lint screen issue

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint trap after every load: Build-up that can lead to improper seating and airflow restrictions
    Frequency: every use
  • Vacuum lint trap slot and housing: Build-up that can interfere with trap seating
    Frequency: monthly
  • Inspect lint screen for damage: Using damaged screens that allow lint escape
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Amana Dryer broken lint trap?
Common causes include a damaged lint screen, broken housing, or lint buildup preventing proper seating.
How do I fix Amana Dryer broken lint trap myself?
You can replace the lint screen, clean the lint trap slot, or apply adhesive to minor cracks.
How much does it cost to fix broken lint trap?
Professional repairs range from $50–$120 for parts or $100–$200 for comprehensive service.
When should I call a technician for broken lint trap?
Consider professional help if DIY fixes are unsuccessful or if the damage is extensive.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

85%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Lint trap is physically damaged or cracked due to wear and tear.
  • Lint trap is clogged with lint buildup, affecting its functionality.
  • Improper installation or misalignment of the lint trap in the dryer.

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect the lint trap for any visible damage. If damaged, replace it with a new one. Ensure it fits properly and is aligned correctly when inserted.

  2. Clean the lint trap thoroughly to remove any lint buildup. Use warm soapy water and a soft brush if necessary. Allow it to dry completely before reinserting.

  3. Check the lint trap's alignment in the dryer. Ensure it slides in and out smoothly without obstruction. Adjust as necessary.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. My dryer’s lint trap has broken and the part isn’t replaceab...

Community Discussions

lint trap has broken

User found a used lint trap on eBay as a replacement.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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