In most homes, clothing dryers are relied upon daily. However, lots of people don't realize how dangerous they can be IF you don't properly care for them.
Every year, clothes dryers cause thousands of major residential fires within the U.S. Most problems associated with dryers are caused by lint build up or blockage within the venting system. It leads to a dangerous buildup of heat and an instant fire that spreads fast.
So listed here are seven ways to keep your dryer working well and steer clear of costly repairs – and a possible fire:
1. Focus on drying time.
If it's taking longer for clothes to dry, it's likely that lint is clogging the venting system. You should clean it out at least once a year. See information about how to do that below.
2. Use aluminum tubing.
Check your dryer's vent tubing. Flexible white vinyl tubing is highly restrictive and no longer meets national fire code standards in the U.S. If you have white vinyl venting, change it immediately with an aluminum equivalent such as this Semi-Rigid Vent Duct Tubing.
3. After every cycle, clean out the lint filter (a.k.a. lint trap or lint screen).
Yes, every time. It does make a difference.
A few times per year, it's also wise to clean lint from the chute that houses the lint filter. Bits of lint inevitably settle in there while you remove and replace the filter. This long-handle brush works well for this. You can also use this long vacuum hose attachment to do the job fast, too.
If you find that lint build up is substantial within the chute, you should disassemble the dryer and remove the lint from the dryer's interior utilizing a vacuum.
4. Clean out your dryer's entire venting tube.
A venting system ought to be cleaned out from inside of the dryer facing outward vent cap at least once each year. Professionals can be hired for this or you can purchase a long brush or cleaning kit with instructional DVD to do it on your own and save money.
How to wash out your dryer's venting
Our bestselling 20-foot cleaning brush allows you to easily remove lint buildup from within the entire tube.
In our homes, for extra precaution, we use Lint Alert. It monitors for lint build-up along with other blockage and alerts you if there is a fire risk with your gas dryer. Does it work? Consumer Reports says yes.
5. Don't overload it.
Read the manufacturer's user guide and follow their recommendations for loading size. Overloading your dryer with too many clothes won't work.
6. Make sure your dryer's level.
In order for a dryer to function properly, its legs must be set at level heights. Make reference to the dryer's owner's manual for information about how to do this properly and safely. You may need the assistance of a second person.
7. Keep it clean.
RepairClinic has appliance cleaners that do an impressive job of removing detergent buildup.
Take a few minutes to learn more by watching our popular how-it-works videos:
Additional dryer maintenance tips
Three ways to keep homes safe from dryer fires
How to keep your family safe
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Since its founding in 1999, RepairClinic.com helps three million do-it-yourselfers save 225 million dollars in repairs by successfully repairing appliances and outdoor power equipment by themselves.
RepairClinic's free online repair help system empowers do-it-yourselfers to repair common problems associated with major home appliances, outdoor power equipment, HVAC equipment, water heaters, floor care, and more. DIYers can enter one number to choose from a list of common symptoms for your particular model, troubleshoot and watch expertly-produced videos to learn the most likely causes and types of conditions and purchase the correct, recommended part.
RepairClinic.com stocks more than one million parts and accessories for 160 brands of furnaces, air conditioners, air handlers, heat pumps, automatic washers, dryers, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners, lawn mowers, snowblowers, leaf blowers, edgers and many other products.
Since 1999, the company has served more than three million customers including homeowners, first-time and beginner DIYers, advanced DIYers, appliance repair professionals, small engine repair centers and landscaping and lawn care business owners. RepairClinic orders are backed by a 365 Days. Period.TM return policy that enables customers to return any part. From the more than one million parts on the website, 95 percent of parts ordered have been in stock and guaranteed to ship exactly the same business day. RepairClinic ships within the Usa and Canada.
