How to Clean the Inside of a Dryer Drum

Why is Cleaning Your Dryer Drum Important?

Often overlooked, cleaning your dryer drum is a crucial maintenance task that brings numerous benefits:

• Preventing fire hazards: Lint can build up inside the drum and exhaust vent of your dryer, raising the risk of fire. Regular cleaning removes this lint, reducing the chances of a fire hazard.
• Boosting dryer efficiency: A clean dryer drum encourages free air circulation, enhancing your dryer's performance. This results in quicker drying times and lower energy expenditure.
• Extending your dryer's lifespan: Maintaining a clean dryer drum prevents unnecessary wear and tear, allowing your dryer to run smoothly and prolonging its lifespan.

Supplies You Need to Clean a Dryer Drum

To effectively clean a dryer drum, you'll need these supplies:

• Lint-free cloth or sponge. A lint-free cloth or sponge is essential to wipe down the drum's interior, removing accumulated lint, dust, or debris. Choose a cloth or sponge that doesn't leave behind lint or fibers.
• Mild detergent or vinegar solution. A mild detergent or vinegar solution to tackle stubborn stains or residue. Dilute the detergent or vinegar with water to create a gentle cleaning solution. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the drum.
• A soft-bristle brush or vacuum attachment. The soft-bristle brush or vacuum attachment is helpful for reaching tight corners and crevices. Brush or vacuum away any remaining lint or debris carefully to avoid scratching or damaging the drum surface.

Having these supplies on hand will enable you to clean a dryer drum thoroughly and safely. Always refer to your dryer's manufacturer instructions for specific cleaning recommendations or restrictions.

How to Clean the Inside of a Dryer Drum: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow this guide to clean the inside of your dryer drum effectively:

1. Disconnect Power and Clean the Lint Screen

Ensure the dryer is unplugged before starting any cleaning process. Then, remove the lint screen and clean it thoroughly as shown in this video:

2. Wipe the Drum Interior

Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe the drum interior, removing any accumulated lint, dust, and residue. Focus on the drum's edges and the area around the lint trap.

3. Clean the Drum Fins or Baffles

If your dryer has fins or baffles inside the drum, gently wipe them using a damp cloth or sponge, removing any lint or debris.

4. Vacuum or Brush the Vent Area

Clean the vent area of the dryer drum. Clean the lint screen housing when the housing is just inside the door or on the back of the drum. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to thoroughly clean the housing. This will prevent lint clogs and improve airflow.

5. Reassemble and Test the Dryer

After cleaning, reinstall the lint screen, plug the dryer back in, and run a test to ensure the dryer is working properly.

Follow these steps every few months or whenever you notice excessive lint buildup or reduced drying efficiency.

Removing Stubborn Residue and Stains from the Dryer Drum

Stains and residue can accumulate on your dryer drum, affecting its appearance and possibly staining your clothes. Here are some stubborn dryer drum deposits and how to remove them:

Ink Stains

When a pen has left ink stains on your dryer drum, dampen a clean cloth with rubbing alcohol and gently rub the stains. For stubborn stains, apply a small amount of laundry detergent to the cloth and continue rubbing.

Dye Stains

If a non-colorfast item has left dye stains on your dryer drum, mix equal parts water and bleach. Dampen a cloth with the solution and wipe away the stains. Rinse the drum thoroughly afterward to remove any bleach traces.

Wax or Gum Residue

When wax or gum residue is on your dryer drum, place ice cubes in a plastic bag and apply it to the residue until it hardens. Gently scrape it off using a plastic scraper or credit card, and wipe away any remaining residue with a cloth dampened with warm, soapy water.

Professional Dryer Maintenance and Cleaning Services from Sears Home Services

Cleaning the inside of the dryer drum is an essential maintenance step. To keep your entire dryer in top shape and operating safely, schedule annual professional maintenance and cleaning by Sears Home Services.

Our professional cleaning services offer several benefits. Our experienced technicians have the expertise to clean a dryer drum thoroughly, including hard-to-reach areas. We’ll clean lint from the inside of the cabinet around the burner or heating element. This ensures complete removal of lint, debris, and other buildup, reducing potential fire hazards and enhancing your dryer's performance.

Regular professional cleaning can also extend your dryer's lifespan. It improves efficiency and reduces wear and tear, saving you money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs or replacements.

When choosing a dryer cleaning service, trust Sears Home Services. Our experienced technicians are highly trained and equipped with the necessary tools and techniques to provide exceptional results. We prioritize safety and quality, meeting the highest standards and ensuring your peace of mind. Whether you need one-time cleaning or regular maintenance, we're here to help keep your dryer in excellent condition.