Maintaining your dryer is incredibly important and is an essential step in protecting your home from fires.
A dryer is a great household appliance that makes doing laundry much easier. While this machine is beneficial, its care and maintenance are often overlooked. Ignoring this necessary chore can significantly impact the unit’s ability to dry your clothes efficiently and effectively and poses a major fire hazard. According to the United States Fire Administration, failure to clean the dryer is the leading cause of clothes dryer fires in the home. Thankfully, you can greatly reduce the chances of home fires by simply maintaining your dryer.
Continue reading to learn more.
5 Simple Tips for Maintaining Your Dryer
The following tips and tricks will help increase, extend the lifespan of your dryer, make your machine more efficient and effective, and will make laundry day a breeze.
- Professional Installation — Clothing dryers require a special electrical outlet to function. Dryers that are not installed correctly could cause a circuit breaker to blow or even a house fire. It is best to have a professional install your unit to avoid any potential and completely avoidable issues.
- Clean the Lint Filter and Lint Trap Housing Cavity — Every time you run a load of laundry through your dryer, you should remove lint from the lint filter. It doesn’t matter whether you do it before or after your laundry is dry; it’s just important that it happens! Overloaded filters cannot effectively or efficiently dry your clothes and are the cause of many house fires. You should also give it a deep clean periodically by washing it with mild dish soap and allowing it to dry thoroughly. Moreover, every couple of months or so, you should clean out the lint trap housing cavity. Use the hose attachment on your vacuum to get the job done.
- Wipe Clean the Drum — Dryer sheets can leave a residue on the inside of your dryer. By using a microfiber cloth and a bit of rubbing alcohol, you can wipe away any film buildup. Let the inside of the machine completely dry before using.
- Clean Out the Exhaust Vent — You should clean the exhaust vents in your home every other year. This is another essential step in preventing fires. Remove the back of the dryer and clear away any lint from the hose and back of the unit. While you’re there, notice what material the vent is made of — is it vinyl or plastic? If it’s either of those, consider replacing it with a metal vent since they are less likely to catch on fire.
- Check Your Outdoor Vent Cap — Verify that the outdoor vent cap is clear of webs, snow, dirt, and other debris. Carefully reach in and remove any built-up lint to allow air to flow freely through.
Maintaining Your Dryer with Dr. D’s Appliance
Maintaining your dryer is relatively easy, but if you don’t have the time or would rather have a professional handle the job, contact the experts at Dr. D’s Appliance. Our knowledgeable and experienced technicians can provide periodic dryer maintenance, giving you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your unit, hoses, and vents are clean and safe. We are located in Bountiful, Utah, and serve those in Salt Lake and Davis County. Contact us today!