Don't ask how, but I dropped a candle into the chute where the lint catcher goes on the top of my dryer. I tried to reach down into the chute from the top of the dryer and up into the chute from the back at the bottom where the lint exhaust hose connects. I can't find that candle. Can I use the dryer, knowing that the candle will melt while it's running but will harden again between drying loads or do I need to get a repairman to take the chute out to find the candle? Thanks.

Gas or electric? Do not use the dryer until this is resolved, too much chance of fire. Pull the unit out from the wall and disconnect the exhaust tube and look inside. Can you see the candle? A repairman can disassemble the dryer but most folks can do it too. Brand and model will help at this point.

Electric. I disconnected the exhaust tube and looked inside but could not see the candle. I reached up into the crook of the chute but could not feel the candle. It's inevitable... I'm going to have to call a repairman. Right?

Less chance of fire now that I know its electric but still should be removed. If you have a shop vac and can shove a small hose into that exhaust I'd give it a try. Don't think you can get this down the lint shut though. If this fails then put in a call if you are sure about your skills taking things apart, oh yea, and putting them back together

Thanks so much! I'll try the shop vac. My "taking apart" skills are pretty good, but I usually have spare parts after I try to put things back together. Probably cheaper in the long run to call a repairman. Thanks again!

Spare parts are always a bummer. Shop around and ask at least 3-5 repair shops for their hourly rate and travel charges.