Did you know that 92% of home fires involve clothes dryers? And these fires are not just little fires; they are commonly large and lead to significant property damage and even death.
Every homeowner should know how to perform some basic maintenance for clothes dryers. It is easy to maintain a clothes dryer, and it will save you from having to replace the appliance. It could even save your life.
Below are some tips on how to perform regular clothes dryer maintenance.
1. Clean the Lint Trap After Each Load
A dirty lint filter can cause your dryer to work harder and increase electricity usage, which increases your monthly bill. It also prevents heat from circulating throughout the drum and prevents clothes from drying properly.
Cleaning the lint trap after every use helps prevent these problems from occurring in the first place and makes sure your dryer lasts longer than expected.
While the lint trap is easy to clean, it can also be a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. If you notice an unpleasant odor coming from your dryer vent or around the filter itself, it’s time to clean it.
2. Check Vent Hose Regularly for Blockages or Damage
Clogged vents restrict airflow, affecting how well your clothes dry inside the machine’s drum. This significantly increases drying time, which is not something you want during the summer months.
The vent hose should be checked regularly for blockages, especially if you live in an area where there are a lot of leaves or other debris that could clog it. You can also get your dryer’s vent professionally cleaned regularly to prevent problems from developing.
You should also inspect the vent hose for any signs of wear or damage. If you find any, replace the hose immediately so that it doesn’t cause a fire in your home.
3. Use the Correct Cycle for Each Type of Fabric
Some fabrics require more heat than others, so make sure you choose the right setting for your clothing type.
Cotton usually needs longer drying times than synthetic fabrics like polyester or rayon, so always check the label of your clothes before selecting a cycle setting.
Some machines have specialized cycles for different fabric and load sizes. If you have something delicate, like silk or wool, use the delicate setting to protect those items from heat damage.
If your clothes are heavily soiled, use the heavy-duty cycle or the permanent-press setting. These settings usually run longer than regular cycles but can help remove stains and odors from fabrics.
If you’re not sure when to use a specific cycle, check your dryer’s user manual.
4. Clean Behind the Dryer
One tip for clothes dryer maintenance is to clean behind the dryer.
Many people don’t realize that there’s a good chance that their clothes dryer has built up some dust or debris behind it. You should inspect behind your dryer and make sure that there isn’t any build-up that could cause problems with airflow or heating efficiency in the future.
If you find any build-up, simply vacuum it away with an attachment designed for cleaning vents and other tight spaces. You can also use a damp cloth to wipe away any dirt or dust that’s visible.
If you have a hard time reaching behind the dryer to clean it, or if you can’t seem to get it clean no matter how hard you try, then consider hiring a professional cleaning service. They’ll come in and make sure that everything is spotless before they leave so that your clothes will dry properly and efficiently.
5. Remove Build-up in the Vent Line
Over time, the vent line between your dryer and the outside wall can become clogged with dust and debris from inside your home. This can cause excess moisture inside the walls of your home and increase humidity levels in certain rooms.
The vent line should be cleaned out at least once a year, if not more often. If you notice moisture or mold in the line, call dryer vent cleaning companies immediately, as this is an indicator that there’s something wrong with your dryer system.
6. Clean the Heat Sensor Screen Regularly
The heat sensor screen is in front of the heating element and needs to be cleaned regularly.
Try running a cycle with no clothes in it and use an electric vacuum attachment to clean out any lint from around the heating element. You can also use the vacuum attachment to clean the lint filter, which is a small rectangular screen at the back of your dryer.
You should clean this every time you use your dryer. If you have hard water, it will leave deposits on your clothes and build up on these screens.
A build-up of lint can also cause the sensor to fail, as it may prevent the dryer from detecting when your clothes are dry. This means that you could end up with damp clothes that smell moldy.
If you use the dryer frequently, clean out the lint filter every time you use it. If you do this, you will avoid the build-up of lint and reduce the chances that your sensor will fail.
This Is How to Keep Your Clothes Dryer Running Efficiently
Maintaining your clothes dryer doesn’t have to be a headache, but it requires regular upkeep and attention. If you’re not careful, important parts of your clothes dryer can become damaged, resulting in a machine that isn’t working optimally or running properly.
It may even contribute to a fire hazard in your home. To prevent this unfortunate outcome, we’ve provided some helpful tips to clean your clothes dryer and keep your machine in great shape to serve you for years to come.
Don’t forget to browse our site for advice on services, relationships, entertainment, and more.
