Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Clothes Dryer Maintenance
Dryer maintenance is not only important for extending the life of your appliance and saving energy through optimum performance. It can prevent a fire! Lint buildup in dryers and vents are one of the leading causes of fires in the home. Here are some maintenance tips to do every other month at minimum.
Of course, after every load clean the lint screen. If this screen is clogged it makes the dryer work harder by restricting air flow through the dryer. The dryer runs hotter which at best will only shrink your clothes, and at worst it can cause a fire. Neglecting to clean the screen can also force lint to build up in areas hard to reach and can become even more flammable.
Clean the area around the lint screen also. Cleaning off the screen every load is good, but lint can dislodge from the screen and end up further in the lint trap chute. When the dryer is cool use a vacuum attachment that’s narrow enough to reach as far as you can. A long slim bottle brush can work too.
Keep the area around the dryer clean and free of lint, moisture and debris. The dryer should be installed with a minimum of space in the back and sides. These specifications can be found on the dryer door, or you may need to look up your appliance online. Dryers need air space, especially behind, to perform safely and efficiently. Also be on the lookout for those pesky dryer sheets which can float around. I swept behind my dryer today and found five, along with several lint bunnies!
Check outside where the air vent ends. Make sure there are no obstructions like branches or plants that can block airflow. Look inside and clean out any visible lint or other debris. Wipe out the inside as far as you can with a rag and brush.
Check the duct itself, especially where it is attached to the dryer. Unplug the dryer first and remove the duct. Clean out any lint with a duct cleaning brush. You can purchase a duct cleaning kit at any home improvement store or Amazon for less than $30. It is a small investment to extend the life of your dryer and prevent fires!
Clean inside the dryer periodically. Bits of dirt can melt onto the drum and clog the holes preventing good air flow. They can also gum up future loads. Unplug the dryer and wipe down the drum with soapy water, or use isopropyl alcohol.
Make sure the dryer is balanced. Uneven dryers can rock and cause uneven amounts of pressure, which can cause uneven wear that will eventually damage the rotor. Dryers have leveling feet on the four corners that can be adjusted if your flooring is uneven. Use a leveling tool, you can even download one for your phone.
Lastly, don’t overload the dryer trying to save money on loads. It makes the dryer work harder and less efficiently and can cause the airflow fan to wear out more quickly. The rotor will also wear out faster as it works harder to move the heavier load. Doing several smaller loads is much better in the long run.
Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago
