Clothes dryer maintenance should be an important item on every homeowner’s to-do list. Knowing some simple things that are well in the realm of any homeowner can lengthen the useful life of your dryer. Regular maintenance can also keep your dryer operating at peak efficiency and it can also help insure the safety of your family by helping prevent the emission of the products of combustion into your living space and dryer fires caused by lint buildup.
Lengthen the Life and Keep it Operating at Peak Efficiency
As already said, the average homeowner can do some simple tasks to maintain their dryer. A few simple things after each load, each week and yearly can keep the repairman, with his high bill, away. Let’s look at a few of these.
After each load you need to clean your lint screen. You should easily be able to scoop out the lint with your hands. While we are still on lint screens, you should pull it out weekly and scrub it with a soft brush and warm soapy water. This will help keep the small holes in the screen free of trapped lint, fibers and pet hair. Fabric softener residue can also clog the screen. A clean lint screen will help your clothes dryer operate at peak efficiency, using less energy thus keeping the cost of running your clothes dryer down. Wipe down the inside of your dryer. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the drum and door area to remove lint. Every 6 months pull your dryer out and remove the vent pipe. Inspect and clean the rear of the dryer itself of any lint or debris. Clean and inspect the vent pipe. If damaged or cracked, repair the vent pipe with duct tape or consider replacing the vent pipe. This is relatively inexpensive. Clean the vent to the outside of any lint or debris. While you have your dryer out from the wall, clean any lint and debris from behind and under the dryer. After replacing the vent pipe and putting the dryer back in place, make sure it is level. A level dryer runs more efficiently and helps keep internal parts from wearing out.
With a few simple tasks you can keep your dryer running at peak efficiency, keeping your energy costs down and at the same time helping alleviate the possibility of a fire from lint buildup.