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Dryers pull in air from a circular opening in the back of the dryer. The dryer's heating element heats the air, and a blower fan circulates the hot air through the drum. The hot air travels outside the dryer through a vent or is cooled by a heat exchanger that condenses the steam into water and sends it down a drainpipe or to a containment compartment.

You can install a washer and dryer in most places throughout your house, provided you have the proper plumbing lines and electrical outlets needed. You’ll also need enough space to install ventilation for the dryer, which can limit where you install the washer and dryer. Common places to install a washer and dryer in a house include a dedicated laundry room, the basement, a bathroom, a hall closet, or even a kitchen. Keep in mind: It will cost a lot more money to install a washer or dryer in a space that is not currently designed to support these appliances.

Conducting quick dryer maintenance can extend its lifespan. Help your dryer stay in mint condition by cleaning the lint trap before and after every cycle. This keeps leftover lint from accumulating in your dryer vent, which is one of the leading causes of household fires, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

You can also wipe down the lint screen with dish soap every few months to keep it extra clean. A basic wipedown of the drum every few months and a deep clean of the exhaust vent once a year are beneficial, too. 

The frequency of cleaning your dryer depends on how often you use it. For regular households, it is recommended to clean the lint trap after each load of laundry. Additionally, thorough cleaning of the dryer—lint trap, drum, and exterior—should be done every few months. It's important to pay attention to the vent system as well. Ideally, it should be cleaned at least once a year, or six months if your dryer takes care of huge loads often, or more frequently if you notice reduced drying efficiency.