You may think that if you clean the top of your dryer, wipe it down with a wet sponge, and vacuum behind it, it will be clean, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. If you think that cleaning your washing machine is difficult, wait until you get a load of the far more challenging task that you will get the chance to take satisfaction from as a cleaning addict.
In this article, we will learn different ways to ensure the cleanliness of your dryer.
How Often Should You Clean Your Dryer?
How often you clean your dryer depends on how regularly you use it, but you should do it at least every six months; some people wait until they see signs of lint buildup, which I do not recommend.
It’s important to clean your dryer because lint and other dust build up over time, which can affect the appliance’s performance, but it can also be dangerous in the sense that an excessive buildup can cause fires.
Do you know what’s even more expensive than regular maintenance? Emergency repairs. If you have maintained your dryer regularly, it will not get to the point where you need to replace some parts that can cost you a lot.
Cleaning the lint filter after every use is recommended, but that is not enough; sometimes, a thorough cleaning is needed. If you feel that you have to run your dryer more than once to dry your clothes completely, if there is a strange smell coming out of the dryer, and if it gets hot after running, these are signs that you need a thorough cleaning.
To do this, you will need a lint-free cloth, soapy water, an all-purpose cleaner, an old toothbrush, some clean towels, a screwdriver, and a vacuum cleaner.
Steps:
The first step is to turn off the power source. You can unplug the dryer or turn off the gas supply, depending on the type of dryer you have. Then, clean the outside with a lint-free cloth and soapy water.
Take out the lint filter and wash it thoroughly with soap and water. Use the old toothbrush to gently scrub it off and let it dry. Wipe the dryer drum with the lint-free cloth, and then use the all-purpose cleaner and some water to clean it even more thoroughly. Place your clean towel inside and spin it to dry the inside.
Locate the dryer vent, which is usually outside. Remove the outer cover and go back inside. Use a dryer vent cleaning brush to push out any debris, which you will then clean on the other side with a vacuum.
Once you are done, reattach everything, plug in the dryer, and finally run an empty cycle to make sure everything is evenly clean.
This may sound simple, but I can assure you that it takes a lot of work. I have a few additional tips that will help your dryer last longer. Clean the lint trap before and after each cycle, don’t overload your dryer as your laundry needs room to move. An overloaded drum will be damaged over time, and it is the most difficult part to replace. Wipe down your drum from time to time; I recommend every month. Just add this task to your monthly cleaning list, so you don’t forget, and it becomes a habit.
The above tips are pretty simple and cost-effective, so you can always have a well-functioning dryer and save time and money. If you have any other problem with your dryer, you can contact a professional plumber to fix it. Let us know in the comments if you clean your dryer often…
