7 Dryer Maintenance Tips You Need To Know

Tips and hacks to help extend the life of your dryer, increase safety and make laundry day easier.

Most everyone knows to clean out the lint filter every time you use the dryer, but there are several other important things you should do regularly to help keep your home safe and your dryer running in tip-top shape.

These dryer maintenance tips will help save money on utility bills, save time and energy, prevent fires, and extend the life of your dryer.

1. Clean the exhaust vent every two years.

This is the most important thing to do to maintain your dryer and help prevent fires, says Michelle Maughan, dryer expert at Sears. Remove the vent from the back of the dryer and clean out any lint build-up.

2. Check the vent cap outside.

It’s common for lawn debris, dirt or snow to build up around the vent. Clear it out every so often to let the air flow freely.

3. Don’t overload it.

Large loads take longer to dry and use more energy. And if clothes don’t dry completely, you may end up with a musty smell.

4. Deep clean your lint screen.

Don’t only clean the lint screen after every load — wash it every three months with a bit of laundry detergent and rinse it thoroughly or pop it in the dishwasher to clear residue left by dryer sheets.

5. Clean out the lint trap.

Remove the screen and use a dryer lint brush to clean inside the trap itself. Lint can build up there, too.

6. Replace vinyl or plastic exhaust vents with metal.

Plastic exhaust vents are more likely to catch fire. Play it safe with metal.

7. Clean the drum.

Give the inside a wipe down with a microfiber cloth and a bit of rubbing alcohol to remove any dryer sheet residue. Let it dry thoroughly.

Read our washing machine maintenance tips.

Bundle and save on dryer and washing machine maintenance.