Posted on

Seven Tips for Maintaining Your Dryer

Seven Tips for Maintaining Your Dryer

It’s important to keep your dryer running smoothly and efficiently. Not only are dryers expensive to replace, but it can be dangerous to ignore basic, regular, and simple maintenance.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 2,900 home clothes dryer fires are reported each year, causing an average of five deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss. Additionally, failure to maintain a clean dryer is the leading cause of home clothes dryer fires at 34 percent.

A MUST-HAVE FOR EVERY HOME! ODOR ELIMINATOR AND DEODORIZER THAT KEEPS YOUR CLOTHES AND WASHING MACHINE FRESH AND CLEAN

Here are seven tips to help maintain and prolong the life of your dryer:

1. Clean out the lint screen after every load.

This can be done with a vacuum or by hand. You may also want to occasionally use the vacuum’s hose to get a little deeper into the lint trap airway to remove lint that may be a little farther down.

2. Wash the lint screen every three months

Use a soft brush and warm, soapy water and allow the screen to air dry before replacing it. This is especially important if you use fabric sheets, as the chemical coating leaves a residue on the lint screen. Even if you can’t see it, it’s there. This residue not only restricts the flow of air, but the sheets can get sucked into the lint screen, causing an additional fire hazard with the resulting lack of air circulation.

3. Inspect the dryer exhaust duct/hose

This is often a crinkly, foil type of tubing. Look for tears, crimps, and obstructions. Lint builds up in the exhaust hose as well as inside the dryer, so get into the habit of cleaning it out every six months. The foil type of tubing is particularly prone to lint build-up and is highly flammable by itself.

4. Clean the outside vent

Inspect the vent cover to make sure it is clean and clear of cobwebs or any other obstruction. Proper airflow is critical to efficiency and safety.

5. Don't overload it

If the load is too full it will take longer to dry, using more energy and possibly not drying items all the way, leading to that musty smell. Hint: use natural wool dryer balls to help separate and aerate the load, allowing it to dry faster.

6. Vacuum around, under, and behind your dryer

It is important to keep that area clean of dirt and excess moisture, so the air will be able to circulate freely. Every three months should be enough unless you notice a build-up.

7. Clean the inside and outside of your dryer

Dryers build up a lot of lint and dust on the outside as well as the inside. Use a gentle cleaner on both the exterior surface and interior drum.

A MUST-HAVE FOR EVERY HOME! ODOR ELIMINATOR AND DEODORIZER THAT KEEPS YOUR CLOTHES AND WASHING MACHINE FRESH AND CLEAN

These are simple but effective ways to keep your dryer running safely and efficiently. Take note if your clothes seem to be taking longer to dry than usual and go through the above steps. If that doesn’t correct the problem, it just may be time to replace your dryer.

If you’re looking for all-natural laundry room products that are chemical- and fragrance-free, we have gentle and effective solutions that you will love! At Odor Crush we help keep your laundry room – and your laundry – smelling fresh and clean, naturally