DIY & Home Improvement

The hardware store is your best friend. Since access was through a very restricted drain (stupidly installed 15 years ago), I chose a flat plastic drain snake. It's about 30 inches long, flat plastic, with spines on either side. You shove it down, it's flexible enough to go around a few corners, and then just shove through the clog. Run plenty of water through afterward, and since your clog is lint and Kleenex, make sure it's hot water.

Then, since you drain your washer into the sink, put some old pantyhose on the end of the drain pipe to collect the pocket detritus. Just put about half a leg on and secure it with a rubber band. When it gets full, find another leg and replace it.

ETA: while better living through chemistry will get through minor clogs, there's nothing like a snake for a bad one. My own chemistry is Kosher salt, baking soda and vinegar. If that doesn't do it, it's time for the snake. Since I process raw fleece, that time comes frequently.