You might think your dryer doesn’t need cleaning because it only touches freshly washed clothes … and you’d be wrong.
Dryers collect lots of lint, which can clog vents, restrict airflow, affect how well the machine dries, and even burn out the heating element quickly. Oh, and excess lint can catch fire, as my colleague, Tom, shares in “Real-Life Warning: A Family’s Close Call with a Dryer Fire,” below.
Fortunately, cleaning a dryer is simple: wipe down the drum, clean out the lint trap after every use and vacuum lint fluffies behind the machine. We’ll also tell you how to get rid of ink stains, gum, and other stubborn substances that dryers sometimes attract.
| Project difficulty: Easy to moderate—most tasks can be done by any homeowner with basic tools, though vent cleaning may require professional help Time required: 30 to 60 minutes for a thorough cleaning Overall cost: $0 to $20—most of the supplies are common household items. |
What You’ll Need
Ready to roll up your sleeves and get cleaning? Here are the supplies you’ll need to make your dryer sparkle and run safely.
Cleaning Supplies
- Mild dish soap
- White vinegar
- Microfiber cloth
- Old toothbrush or nylon brush
- Spray bottle
Quick tip: When cleaning a gas dryer, use only non-flammable cleaning solutions—such as vinegar-water mixtures, mild dish soap with water, or commercial non-flammable appliance cleaners
Tools
- Safety gloves
- Screwdriver
- Vacuum cleaner with hose attachment
- Dryer vent cleaning brush kit
Safety First
Always unplug dryers and shut off the gas supply (for gas dryers) before cleaning the drum to prevent electric shocks or other mishaps.
For gas dryers, use only non-flammable cleaning solutions like mild soap and water as residue could create a fire hazard when the dryer is turned on.
Clean Inside the Dryer
It is important to clean your dryer’s interior regularly to keep it running efficiently and safely. Here are the steps you need to follow to clean each component.
Lint Trap
Lint should be removed after every use. Give the screen a good scrub at least every 6 months. Keeping the lint screen clean will keep your dryer running smoothly and safely. Here’s how to clean your dryer’s lint trap:
- Remove the lint trap.
- Gently peel away or brush off accumulated lint
- Rinse both sides with hot water
- Apply a few drops of liquid dish soap and scrub with a soft nylon brush or old toothbrush
- Rinse thoroughly with hot water
- Let dry completely before reinstalling
- Use a vacuum brush or crevice tool to vacuum the lint trap’s exterior and interior
Quick tip: For heavy buildup, often caused by dryer sheets, soak the screen in hot soapy water for 10 minutes.
Dryer Drum
Clean the drum once a month, or any time you spot visible residue, fabric softener buildup or discoloration. This routine care prevents stains from transferring to your clothes and helps your dryer last longer.
- Use a commercial dryer cleaner spray and damp microfiber cloth with a couple of drops of dishwashing soap.
- Wipe the drum with the cloth to remove any buildup or grime.
- Wipe the drum with a fresh, dry cloth, then run a load of clean towels to ensure it’s completely dry.
If you have kids, you know too well that they are prone to leave things in their pockets. And when those things are pens and gum, you’re likely to find ugly, baked on smears in your drum from time to time.
Moisture Sensor
Many modern dryers have moisture sensor bars (typically near the front of the drum) that should be cleaned every 6 months. These metal bars determine when clothes are dry, and regular cleaning ensures the drying times are accurate.
- Locate the metal bars inside the dryer drum.
- Gently clean them with a damp cloth with just a drop or two of dish soap.
- Wipe with a clean cloth until dry.
- Test the bars with your fingers to ensure they are completely dry. Wipe again if still damp.
Clean the Vent
Clean out your dryer vent at least once a year. If you have heavy dryer use or pets that shed, then every 6 months is better. Regular vent cleaning is crucial to prevent fires from lint buildup and keep your dryer working like it’s supposed to.
- Disconnect the power cord for the dryer.
- Carefully pull the dryer away from the wall. Protect your floors by putting furniture movers or cardboard under the feet.
- Remove the clamp to disconnect the vent duct.
- Use a dryer vent brush to remove lint buildup from the hose.
- Vacuum debris from both ends of the hose, and behind the dryer.
- Check for damage and replace the duct hose if necessary.
- Reconnect the vent duct and secure it with the clamp.
Clean the Outside
Take 5 to 10 minutes a month to clean the outside of your dryer. This simple maintenance routine prevents rust, protects the components of the control panel from dirt and debris, plus it keeps your laundry clean.
- Use one of the following cleaning solutions:
- All-purpose, non-abrasive cleaner
- Equal parts white vinegar and water
- Warm water and a few drops of dish soap (okay for stainless steel)
- Specialized stainless steel cleaner
Quick tip: For stainless steel dryers, always use a soft cloth and wipe in the direction of the grain, then buff dry. This will prevent scratches and preserve the finish.
- After cleaning the dryer’s outer shell, use a damp cloth to wipe around the control panel and knobs. Dry thoroughly with a clean cloth to avoid moisture seeping into them.
- Pull the dryer out a bit, if possible, and tackle the back panel or use a vacuum attachment to get the dust and lint that can collect in this hidden area.
Real-Life Warning: A Family’s Close Call with a Dryer Fire
One of my colleagues, Tom McNiff, recalled an instance some years ago when he took his family on vacation to Gatlinburg, Tenn. They checked in at the rented home, an amazing rustic cabin on a mountainside, and threw in a load of laundry, then transferred the freshly washed load to the dryer a bit later.
As they settled in by the fireplace for the evening, his wife spotted smoke billowing from the laundry room: the dryer was on fire. As his wife ushered the kids safely outside, Tom snatched the fire extinguisher off the wall and squelched the flames long enough for the fire department to arrive and finish the job.
The firefighters yanked the charred dryer away from the wall to inspect it, and, just as they suspected, the lint trap was stuffed full of scorched fabric.
FAQs about Dryer Cleaning
Neglecting to clean your dryer can result in serious safety and performance issues, such as:
• Fire hazards from lint buildup.
• Higher energy costs as clogged vents cause the dryer to run longer, raising overall costs.
• Extended drying times not only cost more it takes longer for you to get the laundry done.
• Clothes damage, especially delicate fabrics from excess heat from blocked vents.
• Shorter lifespan for your dryer as the added strain can cause breakdowns and repair bills.
Yes, you can sanitize your dryer to eliminate bacteria, mildew, and bad smells. Here are a few options to freshen up your dryer.:
• High heat cycle: Run an empty dryer on high heat for 30 minutes. This will eliminate most bacteria.
• Vinegar solution: Clean the whole drum by using equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Don’t forget to clean the door seals as well.
• Commercial products: There are dryer sanitizing products available at most grocery stores in the laundry aisle.
Yes, always unplug your dryer before cleaning the drum or dryer vents to prevent accidental electrocution or the machine turning on while you’re cleaning.
The Final Tumble
Regular dryer cleaning is essential for the safety, efficacy, and longevity of your dryer. Basic tasks like cleaning the lint filter after each load, wiping down the drum monthly, and checking the vent system every 6 months can be handled by many dryer owners. If you encounter complex problems, or persistent issues, or simply want to ensure your dryer is well maintained, you should reach out to an appliance repair expert.
Home Gnome can connect you with a qualified, local appliance repair service for a free quote today. Don’t leave it to chance and get a pro to check out your dryer to prevent having to call the fire department for it later.
Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled services in seconds and leave the rest to us.
Main Image Credit: Laurentiu Iordache / Adobe Stock Free / License
Related Posts:
