A sponge fell down the opening of the "lint catcher" while it was out because I was removing back up lint.
While the lint catcher fits back in, I do not know if it is dangerous to leave the sponge down there, and if so, I do not know how to get it out--tried with a hanger but couldn't catch on to it.

Any help would be appreciated, thank you

This same thing happened to us yesterday. Did you resolve the issue? Initially, our dryer made a terrible grinding noise, but then it was quiet. I'm guessing the sponge is at the bottom..? I'm concerned it could be damaging to the dryer or a fire hazard. Please let me know how you resoved it.

It is a fire hazard, DO NOT use the dryer till you get it out

I had a service man come and open up the back, only way to get to it because of the angle of the curve, if you are handy you can probably do it yourself

Of course I am now very careful when pulling out the lint trap

Please let me know if you are able to get it out yourself

Good luck