Cleaning Your Dryer

Written by Karen Bates (last updated December 10, 2018)

The dryer in your laundry room is one appliance that you might not think much about, but it needs regular maintenance just like the rest of the appliances in your home. If you want to keep the dryer running at its best, you will have to make sure your dryer is clean.

There are many things that can make a dryer dirty. Lint, dyes, objects left in clothing pockets, dirt, and other things can make your dryer dirty. In some cases, a dryer that is not maintained can be a fire hazard, so proper cleaning and care are vital to your dryer's performance as well as your safety.

Here are a few tips that you can use to get your dryer clean:

  • It is a good idea to clean out the dryer ducts regularly. As air moves through these ducts, lint and other materials build up and block the passage. This build-up can become a fire hazard and so it is very important to check these ducts and clean them as needed. One way to clean is to use a vacuum to suck the lint out with one of the vacuum's attachments. Remove the duct from the back of the dryer and vacuum out the inside of the duct. Do the same with the other end of the duct, and then reattach.
  • To clean up crayon or anything else that has gone through the dryer, use a cleaner that is not flammable to get as much as you can off the dryer drum by wiping with a cloth or sponge. Make sure you don't actually spray the cleaner directly into the dryer. Next, run a load of old towels or other scrap cloth so that any remaining residue can be removed.
  • Clean off the lint filter after each use. Every once in a while (perhaps every few months), take the filter out and scrub with a toothbrush or other brush under warm soapy water. Because dryer sheets can cause an invisible film on the filter, you'll need to wash the filter to remove the film and allow your dryer to run more efficiently.
  • To clean the exterior of the dryer, use a wet, soapy washcloth and wipe the exterior surfaces of the appliance. Lint might collect on the floor around the dryer, so you may want to sweep or vacuum in that area as well.

Cleaning your dryer regularly can help prevent fires and will allow your appliance to run more efficiently.

Author Bio

Karen Bates

An English student who enjoys writing and art, Karen has had her poetry published in her university's literary journal and has several novels in the works. ...

MORE FROM KAREN

Identifying High Protein Foods

There are many ways to get the protein your body needs to keep you going strong. Remember these foods if you need more ...

Discover More

Cappuccino Machines

A Cappuccino is a coffee drink made with espresso and milk, It is a more elegant way to enjoy your morning beverage, and ...

Discover More

Victorian Lamps

Lamps can help you control the lighting in a room. Choosing Victorian lamps to decorate an area will add class and ...

Discover More

Remove Stubborn Stains Quickly Get everything looking clean again: Walls, floors, baseboards, counters, blinds, appliances, and more. Micro-scrubbers easily reach into surface grooves, lifting dirt away. This low-cost 8-pack is great for stubborn stains and touble areas. Check out Mr. Clean Magic Eraser 8-Pack today!

More Cleaning Tips

Eliminating Static Electricity from Silk Clothes

We have all had problems with static electricity, especially when wearing silk clothes. This problem can be eliminated ...

Discover More

Quickly Tumble Dry Your Clothes

Energy is something to think about in today's world and it also concerns your bank account. Be conscious of the energy ...

Discover More

Dryer Vent Cleaning

Dryer vent cleaning is sadly something that many people overlook until it is too late. Without periodic dryer vent ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is five more than 3?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


Newest Tips
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

View the most recent newsletter.