A clean dryer is a secret to getting fresh-smelling clothes; the bag not properly removing dust, fibers, and lint from the dryer can lead to domestic fires. This article will discuss different methods to help you know how to clean your dryer safely.
How Often Should A Dryer Be Cleaned?
You can clean your dryer as often as you want. However, some specific parts require a unique maintenance schedule. For instance, you may not need to clean your dryer’s exterior, drum, and lint trap all the time, as they are easier to see.
So, you can monitor the residue and lint build-up and decide when to clean. However, not all parts of the dryer are like this. Here is a guide on how to go about cleaning your dryer below:
Dryer Vent And Ducts
Your dryer’s venting should be cleaned every two years unless otherwise specified in the owner’s manual because lint build-up in your dryer’s vent and ductwork can obstruct airflow and cause your dryer to malfunction. If your dryer has trouble drying loads, you may want to clean it more often.
Dryer Lint Screen
A screen blocked by lint can increase drying time. Therefore, it is important to clean your lint screen after every use. Lint screens are usually near the dryer door, so look for them. The screen should be removed by pulling it up, then the lint should be removed by hand, and the lint trap should be replaced.
Note: Wet lint is harder to remove, so do not scrub or use water.
Deep Clean Lint Screen
Your lint screen can be clogged with laundry detergent and fabric softener. The screen may be more difficult to clean by hand if you notice lint accumulating on it or plugging the mesh.
To deep clean, the lint screen wet both sides with hot water after removing lint. To remove buildup, use a nylon brush, hot water, and liquid detergent. Rinse the screen with hot water and dry thoroughly.
How Do You Clean A Dryer?
Cleaning your dryer is essential because of the various benefits it produces. However, it is important to know how to go about it. When cleaning your dryer, the outer and inner parts of the dryer can be cleaned separately. This is how to go about it below:
How Do You Clean The Inside Of A Dryer?
Cleaning the inside of your dryer means cleaning the lint trap, screen, vents, and drum; to do this, pay attention and ensure no residue is left on the lint trap.
Here is a step-by-step instruction on how to clean a dryer vent, lint trap, drum, and exterior.
Step 1: You might need some supplies, such as a microfiber cloth, water and vinegar spray, detergent, nylon brush tools, a dryer cleaning brush, and a screwdriver
Step 2: Disconnect the dryer from electricity while cleaning to prevent avoidable accidents. If you have a gas dryer, close the shut-off valve in the gas supply line, then disconnect and cap the supply line pipe before cleaning.
Step 3: Take off the lint screen and vacuum the interior and exterior of the lint trap with a vacuum tool or brush. Replace the lint screen.
Step 4: Mix some dish soap in a bowl of warm water to form a solution. Then, wet a clean, soft cloth in the solution and rub the dryer’s drum to get rid of any residue.
Step 5: Move the dryer forward — a few steps away from the wall, to make it easier to get rid of the residue. Unscrew vent clamps or remove tape attaching the vent to the back of the dryer.
Step 6: Use your hands or a vent cleaning tool like a vacuum hose to get the inside of your dryer’s vent clean.
Step 7: Reinstall the venting in the dryer by clamping or taping it in place again. If you are using a gas dryer, turn the gas valve back on after plugging it back in.
Step 8: Move the dryer back into place, then run it for 10-15 minutes on empty to remove any dust.
How Do You Clean The Outer Part Of A Dryer?
Residue from detergent drips, fabric softeners, and lint can get caked onto the top and sides of the dryer. Keep surfaces clean by spraying the outside of the dryer with a solution of equal parts water and vinegar, then using a microfiber cloth to wipe away stuck-on gunk from the dryer’s surface, knobs and buttons.
How To Clean A Dryer That Smells
If you regularly dry smelly clothes in your dryer, in no time, the dryer will pick up some of the smell and start giving off an offensive odor.
When this happens, do not panic, as getting rid of the smell is pretty simple. Here are the different methods you can use to get rid of the smell in your dryer:
Use Vinegar
Vinegar is a multi-purpose household ingredient that can eliminate smells effectively. Here is a simple guide on how to use vinegar to clean a dryer that smells below:
Step 1: Get a spray bottle and make a solution of water and vinegar, then wet an old towel with the solution.
Step 2: Toss the towels into the dryer until they dry. The vinegar in the towel will kill the smell as the towel tumbles around inside the drum.
Use Baking Soda
Baking soda is an alkaline powder that can absorb foul odors from the dryer, including the smell of other cleaning products. Here is a simple guide on how to use baking to clean a dryer that smells below:
Step 1: Soak a towel in water and sprinkle baking soda generously over it.
Step 2: Put the cloth into the dryer and dry it using the lowest drying cycle to remove odors and residue.
Use Essential Oils
Essential oils will not only leave your machine smelling fresh; your clothing will catch the fragrance as well. Here is a simple guide on how to use essential oils to clean a dryer that smells below:
Step 1: Soak a towel in water and pour some essential oils generously over it.
Step 2: Put the cloth into the dryer and dry it using the lowest drying cycle to allow the fragrance to seep into the dryer to remove odors and residue.