When and How to Clean Your Dryer Inside and Out

Last update: 6 days ago

Ah, laundry day is here once more. Your clothes are looking fresh! With the temperatures dropping and winter on the horizon, you’re really getting the most out of your clothes dryer. It’s such a time-saver, letting you do multiple loads in a single day.

However, dryers are breeding grounds for bacteria. If you neglect to clean your dryer regularly, you’ll end up with filthy clothes and lint. This will compromise the dryer efficiency and overall home appliance care.

This article will teach you everything you need to know about dryer maintenance. We’ll give you step-by-step instructions on how to clean a dryer, including expert tips and best practices.

Do you really need to clean your dryer?

Cleaning your dryer and vent will shorten drying times. It will also keep your clothes in better condition. However, regular use can cause dust and lint to accumulate in your appliance, hindering its performance.

Actually, most dryer fires are caused by lint and dust, not wiring problems. Fires that begin from lint-clogged clothes dryer vents cause lots of home fire damage each year. So, Fire and Rescue Services in New South Wales recommend cleaning your lint filter before or after each use. It will ensure adequate airflow around your dryer. Regular maintenance can prevent dryer fires and keep your family safe.
Additionally, proper cleaning can increase energy efficiency and improve overall dryer performance. When booking deep cleaning, it will be included in the service.

How to clean your dryer inside and out?

Here’s how to clean your dryer inside and out. Everything from lint removal to vent cleaning.

Step 1. Prepare to clean your dryer

Here are some signs your dryer needs a deep clean:

Are you ready to tackle the cleaning process? If yes, first ensure you follow proper dryer cleaning preparation and safety measures. Disconnect your dryer from the wall socket to prevent accidental operation while parts are removed. If your machine runs on gas, be sure to turn off the gas valve, close the gas supply line valve, and then disconnect and cap the supply line pipe.

Here’s how to clean a dryer vent, lint trap, drum, and exterior with the supplies and tools listed above.

Step 2. Clean the lint trap

Your clothes shed fibres when you tumble them in the dryer. The lint trap captures these fibres to prevent them from obstructing the dryer vent hose. Since lint is highly flammable, just empty the lint trap before or after every cycle.

First, locate your lint trap. In front-loading dryers, it’s usually inside the door in front of the dryer drum. For top loaders, it is on top of the dryer near the controls. If you’re unsure, check your machine manual. Once found, follow these steps:

1. Clean the lint screen – Do regularly to prevent fire hazards, especially with gas dryers. After every use, clean the lint screen. You can brush it or vacuum it with a narrow nozzle. Then, wipe it with a damp cloth. Let it fully dry before putting it back. For deeper cleaning, scrub with an old toothbrush and hot, soapy water.
2. Clean the lint trap – Twist gently to clean the trap, repeating until it’s empty. Alternatively, use the crevice attachment on your vacuum cleaner to clear out lint. Wipe the trap and screen with a damp cloth. Let it dry before using the dryer again. For a deep clean, you can scrub it with detergent and hot water solution.

Step 3. Clean the exterior body of dryer

Dryers often collect residue from detergent drips, fabric softener, and lint. Use equal parts vinegar and water to clean these filthy surfaces. Wipe away any stubborn grime with a microfiber cloth. Lastly, spray the dryer’s surface and door to get rid of dust and fingerprints. Avoid spraying the knobs and buttons directly to prevent moisture from getting into inaccessible areas. Instead, spray the cleaner on the cloth and then wipe them down. The dryer is ready to use once the lint trap is reinserted and the power cord is connected.

Step 4. Clean the drum

The drum of the dryer is where you put your clothes to dry. Sometimes, dust and debris can accumulate inside. Moreover, dryer sheets and fabric softeners can leave a filmy residue on the drum over time, making cleaning inside your dryer a necessary part of your routine.

Vacuum the inside of the drum to remove any lingering dust or debris.

But sometimes, no matter how carefully you check everyone’s pockets, unexpected items can still end up in the dryer. Common culprits include pens, crayons, chewing gum, candy, and lipstick. You might also accidentally wash a dry-clean-only item, which can leave its dye clinging to the drum. These stains inside your dryer can transfer to other clothes and ruin them. Here’s how to clean the most common stains inside a dryer. And again, always work with an unplugged, shut-off dryer!

Crayon

Yes, it definitely sounds like a nightmare. But take a deep breath and begin by inspecting the drum for any stuck-on crayon pieces. Get a plastic spatula or an old credit card and scrape them off. Next, spray a small amount of WD-40 onto a soft cloth. Wipe the affected areas until the stain is removed. Avoid spraying WD-40 directly into the dryer. Wash the interior with warm, soapy water, paying extra attention to areas treated with WD-40. Finish by wiping the dryer drum with clean, dry cloths or running a load of dry cloths through a full drying cycle to remove any residue. Voalla!

Ink

This one is awful, as well. But there is a solution. First, empty the dryer and run it for 5–10 minutes to loosen the ink stains. Then, turn off and unplug the dryer. Use some rubbing alcohol to remove the ink stains. Make sure you change the rags as needed to keep the ink from getting everywhere. Follow up with a good rinse using a damp cloth. To check your work, run an old white towel through a dryer cycle. If it emerges clean, the ink stains are successfully eradicated. If not, repeat the process.

Dye

Wonder where that dye is from? If you have done some craft projects or got new jeans, it’s totally normal to have dye in the drum. To remove dye from your dryer, prepare old towels. Soak them in a solution of hot water and household bleach. Wear protective eyewear and rubber gloves! Then, wring the towels nearly dry and run the dryer with them for 30 minutes on an air-fluff setting. Repeat the process as much as necessary.

Candy or gum

Do you have kids? If the answer is yes, then it’s totally fine to have some forgotten, unwanted candy or gum in the drum. Here, similar to removing crayons, use a plastic spatula or rubber blade to scrape off as much gum or candy as possible. Then, use a blow dryer to soften. It will make their removal easier. Afterwards, scrub the affected area with an all-purpose cleaner and wipe it dry.

Melted wax

Won’t ask you where it came from. Now that it is there toss several old rags in the dryer. Then, run it on high heat for about five minutes to soften the residue. Use a blunt-edged plastic knife or an old credit card to scrape away the softened wax gently. Dampen a microfiber cloth with distilled white vinegar or rubbing alcohol and scrub each affected area. Switch to a clean cloth area to avoid smearing. Finally, wipe the drum with a microfiber cloth dampened with warm water. Let it air-dry for 30 minutes before using the dryer again.

Lipstick

Sometimes, bad things happen. Just take take a breath. Then, with a soft, dry cloth, wipe away as much lipstick as possible. Do it while the dryer is still warm.

It’s important to sanitise the dryer drum if it was used to dry clothes exposed to pesticides, chemicals or poison ivy residue. Wipe it down with a sanitising solution. You can make the sanitising solution at home by mixing 1/4 cup of bleach with a quart of water. If you prefer to avoid using bleach, you can opt for pine oil, phenolic disinfectant, or quaternary disinfectant instead. And again – always wear your protective gear while sanitising the dryer! Rinse the drum thoroughly with plain water and run a short dryer cycle with damp towels to prevent bleach spotting.

Smelly tumble dryer? Vinegar works wonders on dryers that smell. It is the perfect odour neutraliser. Prepare a solution with one part vinegar and two parts warm water. Use this mixture to thoroughly clean the drum.

Step 5. Clean the dryer vent

A clean dryer vent is essential to keeping your home safe and efficient. Lint, dust, and debris can accumulate in the vent. They reduce dryer performance and raise fire risks. Keep your dryer vent clean to prevent these hazards. That way, it will run more efficiently, saving energy and extending its lifespan. Here’s how to properly clean your dryer vent so your home appliance care routine keeps your dryer working at its best.

For optimal dryer performance and safety, consider enlisting professional help. Regular cleaning includes dryer cleaning. Moreover, professionals will ensure that all lint and debris are thoroughly removed from hard-to-reach areas, significantly reducing fire hazards and enhancing your dryer’s efficiency.

Step 6. Additional maintenance considerations

When it comes to dryer maintenance, there are additional considerations beyond just cleaning the lint trap and vent. Inspecting the dryer’s seals and gaskets, especially the door seals, is really important. Seals keep heat from escaping during drying, keeping the dryer efficient. Regular inspection is necessary to check for signs of wear or damage that could compromise their effectiveness. A damaged seal can cause energy loss and lower dryer performance, causing longer drying times and higher energy bills.

To ensure you know how to clean a dryer effectively, it’s crucial to pay special attention to the exhaust vents. These vents play a crucial role in expelling hot, moist air outside. Over time, lint and debris can build up over time, restricting airflow and raising the risk of fires. Regular inspection and cleaning of these vents are essential to maintain clear airflow. Installing a vent cover with a lint trap can help prevent excess lint accumulation.

Obviously, there are some things you shouldn’t ever dry. Do you know what they are? If not, let me tell you – bras, workout gear, and swimwear. High temperatures can destroy the material, making your clothes unusable and incapable of regaining their initial shape.

Another scenario is socks or some small clothes are stuck in the mechanical parts of the dryer. Don’t do it yourself. Contact an appliance repairman to take the dryer apart.

How often should your dryer get cleaned?

Each part of your dryer needs its own maintenance schedule. You can keep an eye on residue and lint build-up on your dryer’s exterior, drum, and lint trap so you know when to clean it. Regular cleaning extends appliance longevity. Moreover, it also contributes to home safety by reducing the risk of lint fires. Run your hand along the sides and inside of the drum to feel for residue. Depending on your dryer, some parts need cleaning more frequently, like the vents and lint trap. DIY upkeep of these components ensures optimal performance and safety. Remember to consider how often to clean your dryer based on its usage and manufacturer recommendations to maintain its efficiency and safety standards.

Here is an example timetable for cleaning the different parts of your dryer:

Takeaways