Clean your dryer inside and out to prevent fires, extend its lifespan, and get clothes dryer faster
Performing routine dryer maintenance is useful for making your dryer run more efficiently and extending the lifespan of your appliance. Plus, regularly showing your dryer some TLC prevents not-so-ideal incidents such as house fires (a clogged vent can pose a fire hazard).
Cleaning your dryer is a very doable DIY homeowner task, and you likely already have most (if not all) of the necessary supplies right in your home.
The prep work for cleaning your dryer is simple: Turn off the dryer! If you have an electric dryer, you’ll unplug the cord, while a gas dryer also requires you to shut off the gas supply.
After you’ve turned off the power, it’s time to clean. Get started by cleaning the exterior part of the dryer. You can simply apply soapy water with a (lint-free) cloth, or use an all-purpose cleaning solution.
A vent clamp is what keeps the dryer vent secured around the dryer. You’ll want to remove this before cleaning your dryer. Pull out the dryer so you can access the vent duct, which looks like a silver coil, and is located on the back of the dryer.
To unscrew and remove the vent clamp, you can use a screwdriver, or, with some clamps, you can simply squeeze it.
When cleaning your dryer, it's important not to forget about cleaning the dryer vent.This step is crucial for maintaining both the efficiency of your dryer and the safety of your home. Begin by disconnecting the power source and moving the dryer away from the wall. Locate the vent opening, at the back of the machine, and detach the vent hose. You can use either a vent brush or a vacuum with an attachment to remove any lint or debris that has accumulated in both the hose and vent opening.
Next, head outside and locate your dryer’s exterior vent. Carefully remove its cover and clear out any debris that may have built up over time. Cleaning your dryer vent will ensure unobstructed airflow, reducing potential fire hazards and extending your appliance's lifespan.
However, if you find this task challenging, or encounter any difficulties along the way, it's always wise to seek the help of a professional dryer technician. Though the cost to clean a dryer vent averages around $150, this guarantees a safe and effective vent cleaning process.
Your lint trap prevents debris and other unwanted particles from getting into the dryer. In doing so, an accumulation of lint and debris can build up and cause fire hazards. This is why it’s important to include cleaning the lint trap in your dryer cleaning routine. "The lint trap is the only piece of the dryer that needs to be cleaned after each use,” said Asya Biddle, Angi Expert Review Board member and manager of The Dustbusters, a family-owned and operated janitorial company in Williamsport, PA. “Not only does it help with the efficiency of drying, but it also prevents the buildup of flammable material." Using your lint brush, scoop and remove as much lint as possible from the trap. To be extra vigilant, use a vacuum with an attachment to remove any and all lint.
The dryer drum (where you put your wet laundry) is the largest dryer component, and hair, pet fur, and threads can become stuck inside it. "By cleaning the dryer drum, you’re removing any object or substance that may come in contact with your wet clothing and cause damage, including gum, pens, or food debris," Biddle said.
Look inside the drum and remove anything stuck inside. If you can’t do this by hand, you can try using a spatula or credit card to scrape them out. Use your vacuum to get any hard-to-reach spots.
Next, scrub any messes clean in the dryer drum. If there are any sticky spots or stains, use olive oil to scrape them off. Once you’ve removed all of the sticky spots and various messes, use soapy water to wipe the entire drum clean.
Once you have cleaned all the parts of your dryer, it's important to complete the cleaning process by running an empty cycle. This step is crucial to get rid of any traces of dust, lint, or cleaning agents that might still be lingering inside the machine.
First make sure that the lint filter is clean and properly in place because a clogged filter can affect how well the cycle works. When you're ready, choose a heat "Air Fluff" cycle to avoid any damage and ensure a safe and smooth operation. Allow the cycle to run for 10-15 minutes so that the dryer can blow out any remaining debris.
You can also take this opportunity to wipe down the inside of the drum with a cloth and remove any residue. Running a dryer cycle not only guarantees that your dryer is clean and ready for regular use, but also improves air circulation and enhances drying efficiency in future loads.
If you want to cut costs, cleaning your dryer DIY-style is a great way to do it. Sometimes, though, you may need extensive cleaning or inspection. A house cleaner costs on average around $200 per visit, but can vary depending on the number of rooms you need cleaned. Keep in mind that they wouldn’t just clean your dryer, but can also help you clean your washing machine and organize and clean your laundry room.
Or, if your dryer vents are hard to reach (such as through the roof), you may opt to hire a professional for vent cleaning. If you think your dryer needs a professional cleaning, contact a local dryer vent cleaning service.
I would recommend this company to anyone! He showed up on time, was friendly, completed a very difficult repair on our dryer vent cover, was responsive, and pricing was extremely fair and competitive. I would have him back to do any of our repairs or cleanings without hesitation!
U.S.A. Dryer Vent, LLCBest cleaning I've had at my property
Fantastic group, very communicative, and they really did a great job cleaning my condo. Will be hiring them for recurring cleaning!
eMaids of Northern Columbus100% satisfied with the work done by Supreme Brick & Chimney. Josh responded to my Angi request very quickly and squeezed our house into his schedule only a couple business days out. The chimney cleaning process was extremely clean with ZERO dirt going anywhere besides in Josh's vacuum. Very...
Supreme brick & chimneyExcellent the crew was great did what I ask cleaned up and the price was awesome
All Star Paving and SealingI definitely recommend Ramonaâ s cleaning service! I have booked services with her many times and she arrives on time, ready to work and provides a great service.
Your Cleaning Solutions LLCMary Cleaning Service is fantastic! The entire team is professional and pay a great deal of attention to detail. They do such a thorough job of cleaning my house. I would definitely recommend!
It was just fine. They did a good job. They cleaned what needed to be cleaned.
Dezired Cleaners LLCThey cleaned my very dirty basement. They were prompts, quick, thorough and their price was fair.
JDE House Cleaning LLCExcellent! We were very satisfied with the service provided and the entire experience from start to finish. Very friendly and professional staff. I was able to instantly get in contact with them for a quote and the response time and overall communication remained quick and easy throughout the...
Prime Cleaning ServiceFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
It’s important to disinfect your dryer to keep your clothes clean and maintain performance. Learn how to sanitize your dryer in 30 minutes.
If you want to keep your dryer alive, maintenance is key. Fortunately, you can implement six simple, routine tips to extend your dryer’s life and reduce incidents.
Don’t let a dirty dryer vent cause problems in your home. Not sure how often to clean a dryer vent? Keep reading to learn best practices.
Got lint? Keep your dryer in good working order and cut down on the risk of fire by learning how to clean a dryer vent.
Dryers make laundry day easier. But without proper maintenance, dryer fires can happen. Here are some tips to help keep you, your home, and your unmentionables safe.
Keep your laundry appliances working well and looking great. Learn how to clean the outside of your washer and dryer in less than an hour.
