Ventilation System
Connected to the back of the machine and leads outside your home
2. Clean the Lint Screen
The lint screen should be cleaned after every use to prevent buildup. Remove the screen and use a dryer sheet to wipe away any lint. If there is visible lint buildup, scrub the screen with an old toothbrush or soft-bristle brush and some dish soap.
3. Clean the Lint Trap Housing
Use a vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool attachment to remove lint from the lint trap housing. If there is stubborn lint buildup, use a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol to loosen it.
4. Clean the Moisture Sensors
If your dryer has moisture sensors, clean them with a soft cloth and white vinegar. The sensors are usually located inside the drum or on the front or back of the machine.
5. Clean the Ventilation System
The ventilation system should be cleaned at least once a year. Use a dryer vent cleaning kit and an electric drill to remove any lint or debris from the vent. Use aluminum foil tape to seal any gaps or holes in the vent.
By following these cleaning tips and maintaining your dryer regularly, you can ensure that your appliance runs safely and efficiently for years to come.
There are two metal strips, usually located at the edge of the drum near the lint trap or at the back of the drum (old dryers may not have them), that are several inches long.
The exhaust vent pipe is a large metal or vinyl duct pipe (possibly flexible pipe) extending from the rear of the machine. It may be wrapped in insulation, connected to another large pipe in the wall, or extended to a visible exterior vent.
2. Filter Screen Cleaning
The dryer’s filter screen is located in the top of the machine under a panel or inside the door. It needs attention every time you use the dryer. Lint buildup on the filter screen can make the dryer struggle to move air through the exhaust vent, affecting its ability to dry clothes.
At the very least, the filter screen requires minimal cleaning between clothing loads. Take out the lint screen and remove lint from the screen with your fingers. Use a used dryer sheet to mop up additional lint, if you have one.
Perform a thorough cleaning once every couple of weeks or each month to remove the buildup of residue from dryer sheets or fabric softener, as well as stuck-on lint residue. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove as much of the lint residue as possible. Take the filter to a sink and scrub it gently with an old toothbrush or soft-bristle brush dipped in a solution of dish soap and warm water to brush away all remaining residue. Rinse the filter thoroughly under clean water and lay it out to dry.
3. Lint Trap Housing Cleaning
Clean the lint trap housing with a vacuum and a crevice tool while the filter screen is drying. Twist the tool back and forth while raising and lowering it within the housing. If necessary, shine a flashlight into the cavity to verify that all of the lint and debris have been removed. Reinstall the filter screen once it’s completely dry.
4. Dryer Drum Cleaning
Wipe down the inside of the dryer’s drum once a month to remove dryer sheet residue and any lingering lint or debris. Mix 1 part white vinegar with 1 part water in a spray bottle. Spray the entire interior surface of the drum and wipe dry with a lint-free cloth rag. Leave the machine’s door open for a while until it dries completely.
5. Moisture Sensor Cleaning
Modern clothes dryers have moisture sensors located just inside the machine’s door at the edge near the lint trap or on the back wall of the drum. They are typically several inches long and made of metal. Moisture sensors sense the moisture level inside the drum and work with the dryer’s timer function to shut off the drying cycle when the clothes are dry. Dirty moisture sensors can fail to signal when your clothing is dry, resulting in the dryer stopping before the clothes or increasing drying time and wasting energy or damaging clothing.
To clean the moisture sensors, use a cotton ball doused with isopropyl alcohol to rub the exposed area of the sensors. Perform the task once every three months or so, or if you notice that the sensor-dry function isn’t working properly.
Thoroughly clean the lint trap and exhaust pipe. Remove wet clothes promptly after drying.
Rust stains
Metal buttons or zippers left in the dryer drum
Use rust remover solution on affected areas and clean the drum thoroughly.
Ink stains
Ink left in pockets of clothes during drying cycle
Use rubbing alcohol or an ink stain remover on affected areas before washing.
If you are unsure about how to clean your dryer or maintain it properly, consult the manufacturer’s instructions or contact a professional for assistance.
To clean the inside of the washing machine drum, use a cloth soaked in white vinegar. Once done, leave the door open to let the drum dry and dry a load of light-colored towels. Make sure to clean the dryer duct once a year and avoid leaving damp laundry inside the dryer for too long.
If you smell a dead animal, it may be due to a rodent or bird trapped in the exhaust vent or a clogged vent. Remove the animal or hire a professional to do it, and clean the exhaust pipe thoroughly. Install a laundry exhaust cover to prevent animal entry and check it regularly for lint blockage.
A burning smell could be due to excessive lint buildup in the filter or exhaust or a more serious problem. Unplug the dryer and check for lint buildup. If it’s relatively clean, call a professional for inspection and repair.
To remove ink, crayon, or candy stains from the dryer drum, use rubbing alcohol, a plastic spatula, and an all-purpose cleanser. Heat from a blow dryer can also help to remove hardened candy.