Proper cleaning and maintenance of a major appliance such as a dryer is important to optimize its performance and ensure the safety of your family. Dryers need periodic maintenance to keep them running smoothly and safely; according to FEMA2,900 home dryer fires are reported each year, most of which are caused by failure to clean the machine.
Fortunately, cleaning the dryer vent system is a simple task without calling in a service technician. We spoke to experts about how and how often to clean electric and gas dryers, including how to clean your dryer vents to keep yours operating safely. And be sure to check how to clean washing machine instructions are good.
When it comes to cleaning your dryer, there are things you should do regularly to keep it running smoothly and safely, and deeper cleaning and maintenance should be done every 12 to 24 months.
According to Gary Childers, a fabric care scientist and appliance specialist at Procter & GambleRoutine maintenance includes:
- Remove lint from the lint screen before or after each drying cycle.
- Clean the lint screen with warm, soapy water every six months; Larger households should clean the lint filter more often.
- Remove spots inside the machine or on the door with a warm, wet cloth.
- Have a professional appliance technician inspect the inside of your dryer and its ductwork every 12 to 24 months, depending on intended use and manufacturer recommendations.
Cleaning the dryer ductwork can be done without calling a professional. “Cleaning the dryer duct isn’t difficult,” says Gina Perry, senior cleaning merchant at The Home Depot, speak. “Remove the lint from the duct by hand and then vacuum the inside of the duct.” She gives step-by-step instructions for cleaning the dryer vent.
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Unplug the dryer (for gas dryers, turn off the gas supply valve), pull the dryer away from the wall, and disconnect the dryer duct.
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While wearing safety gloves, manually remove lint from the hole in the back of the dryer. Then, use the hose attachment of the vacuum cleaner or vacuum cleaner to clean in and around the hole in the back of the dryer; if you can separate the length of the duct when it comes in contact with the wall, do so for easy access. Go outside the house and remove the outside vent cover and clean the dryer vent from the outside using the vacuum cleaner.
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If the dryer vent is too long to effectively use the vacuum to remove lint, purchase a dryer vent kit that contains flexible brushes to clean the walls inside the hole. vent. Insert the brush into the duct and move it back and forth while gently rotating until the vents are free of dust and lint.
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Reattach ductwork and vent caps, sealing duct sections with UL-listed foil tape if necessary. This is a good time to inspect the ducts to make sure they are undamaged and meet safety codes, and replace them if necessary. Push the dryer back to its original position, plug or turn the gas valve back on, and run a 15 to 20 minute test cycle using the fluff or air drying setting to ensure all connections are secure. and remove any remaining debris.
