Dryers are typically pretty hardy, but failing to maintain and care for your dryer could not only lead to machine failure but also increase the risk of a fire. Most people know to clean the lint filter every time they use the dryer, but there’s plenty more you can do to ensure your home is safe and that your dryer is running in tip-top condition. Here are a few dryer maintenance cleaning tips to save time, money and extend the useful life of your unit.
Dryer Maintenance Cleaning - What You Need to Do
Check the Vent Cap Outside
Over time, dirt, lawn debris or snow may build around the vent. As such, check the vent cap and clear it out every so often to allow for the free flow of air.
Clean the Exhaust Vent
Pay attention to the state of your dryer vents as neglecting them could significantly increase the risk of starting a fire in your home. To avoid this, make it a habit to clean the exhaust vent or duct at least twice every year. An obstructed vent will significantly reduce air flow to the dryer, increase drying times and lead to higher utility bills.
Don’t Overload It
Larger loads will use more energy and take longer to dry. Moreover, clothes that don’t dry completely will result in a musty smell. You also want to avoid trying to dry heavily soiled clothes and keep the unit’s interior as clean as possible. A general rule of thumb is to only dry clothes that you’ve put through the washing machine first. Doing so helps to avoid any dirt or other unnecessary materials inside your dryer. Some unwanted materials could clog your unit or even cause parts to corrode.
Clean the Lint Screen Regularly
It’s critical that you never allow lint to build up on the lint screen. Make it a habit to get rid of lint on the screen before starting a batch. Excess lint forces your dryer to work harder than it should to dry your clothes. Over time, the excess lint will begin to impede your unit’s overall efficiency and function. Spare a couple of minutes to scrape off the extra lint from the lint screen before starting a load, and it will go a long way in ensuring your drier serves you better for longer.
Wipe Down the Outside of The Dryer Regularly
Equally important as keeping the inside of the dryer clean is ensuring the outer surfaces are clean. Consider wiping down the outside of the dryer weekly to prevent the soap residue from corroding the finish. Soap residue could quickly pile up especially if you’re used to setting washed up clothes on top of the dryer before putting them inside the unit.
Most dryer maintenance cleaning tips are quite straightforward. However, if your dryer duct is particularly long, or you’re not sure how to go about doing a good job yourself, seek professional help. Proper care and maintenance are sure ways to get the most out of your drier and extend its useful life.
