There are helpful tips to help extend the life of your dryer, increase safety and make laundry day easier.

The clothes dryer is one of the most loved appliances in the home for the way it has simplified and shortened our everyday laundry process. Dryer maintenance is extremely imperative because dryers and lint build-up are a fatal combination. Dryer lint buildup causes 1000’s of fires in residences every year.

Most people know to clean out the lint filter every time they use their dryer, but there are several other important things they should do on a regular basis to help ensure your home is safe and your dryer is running in ideal shape.

These dryer maintenance tips will help save you money on your utility bills, save you time and energy, prevent fires in your house, and extend the overall longevity of your dryer.

1. Every two years, clean the exhaust vent.
This is one of the most important thing you can do to maintain your dryer and help prevent fires. Remove the vent from the back of the dryer, clean out any built-up lint.

2. Go outside and double check the vent cap.
It’s normal for debris from your lawn, dirt or wet mud from rain to build up around your vent. Clear it out every now and then to ensure that the air is flowing freely.

3. Do not overload your dryer.
It takes longer for large loads to dry and they also use more energy. If clothes don’t completely dry, there’s a high chance that they may end up smelling musty.

4. Give your lint screen a deep clean.
You clean the lint screen after every load, which is great.  But don’t stop there, wash it every three months with a touch of laundry detergent and rinse it thoroughly or even throw it in the dishwasher to clear off any dry sheet residue.

5. Make sure the lint trap is cleaned out.
Take off the screen and with a dryer lint brush, clean inside the trap. Lint can and will build up there as well.

6. Make sure your vinyl or plastic exhaust vents are metal instead.
Vinyl or plastic exhaust vents are much more likely to catch fire. Use metal and play it safe.

7. Ensure that the drum is cleaned.
Wipe down the inside of the dryer drum with a microfiber cloth and a touch of rubbing alcohol to remove any residue left by the dryer sheet. Allow it to dry thoroughly.

These are just a few tips to prolong the life of your dryer.  If you need help with dryer repair, trust the experienced pros at Fix Appliance Repair to get the job done right.