Cleaning clothing is a breeze these days, thanks to the invention of the washer and dryer. All you have to do is toss dirty apparel into the washer, wait a while, transfer the items to the dryer, wait some more, and then you’re done.
Like any other machine, unfortunately, washers and dryers require maintenance to stay in good working order. With a focus on the dryer, here’s what you should do to keep yours up and running:
Clean the lint filter
The lint filter is a flat screen that traps cloth, dust, and other particles during the drying session. It should be cleared of all debris after each drying cycle. If the particles are really stuck in there, use a brush and detergent to scrape it clean. During cleaning, check to see if there are any tears or cracks in the filter.
If so, buy a replacement before using the dryer again.
Check the area underneath the lint filter
One area that always seems to get neglected is the space where the lint filter sits. Just like the filter, this slot can trap fuzz, hair, and other stuff you don’t want to be in there. Since the space can be narrow and hard to get into, cleaning with a narrow vacuum hose attachment might be the easiest.
Examine and clean the inside of the dryer cabinet
Once the clothes are removed from the dryer, give the cabinet a good look to see if there is anything left in there. Sometimes small articles of clothing can get stuck underneath cracks and holes in the container, so run your hands along the surface to ensure that you don’t miss anything.
After prolonged use, the dryer can also accumulate some lint in the cabinet, so clear it out at least once per year or when the build-up becomes noticeable.
Inspect the exhaust duct for build-up and damage
According to NACHI, dryer vent blockage and damage is a huge concern because it can cause house fires. Check the entire length of the vent pipe for lint. If it’s present, use a vent pipe brush or other tool with length to remove it.
Also, check to make sure that the exhaust piping isn’t scrunched up behind the dryer because that can inhibit the escaping airflow and may potentially lead to a fire. If there are any tears in the piping, it needs to be replaced.
Replace the dryer vent
If your vent piping is made of vinyl, it would be a good idea to replace it with an aluminum one that can take the hot airflow better. If you’re not confident in your handyman skills, take the dryer to a warranty repair center so that a professional can help you out.
When you notice your loads are taking much longer to dry, your dryer probably needs servicing. Keeping the dryer maintained doesn’t only improve performance, it also prevents house fires and ensures that you and your home remain unharmed. Use these five keys to keep your dryer nice and spry.
About the Author:
A recent college graduate from University of San Francisco, Anica loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here. As one example of a warranty repair center, The Mending Shed can help you with replacement parts and appliance repair.
CMO Contributor
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