Easy dryer maintenance tips

With winter upon us, we are faced with gloomy cold and wet days. We rely more and more on the convenience of our clothes dryer to quickly dry our clothes. With increased use, we need to ensure that we take care of our dryer with regular maintenance. Try our easy dryer maintenance tips and keep your unit operating safely and efficiently during the busy winter season.

Safety first! Disconnect the power before starting any maintenance.

1. Clean the lint filter after every use

The most important step is to maintain and clean your clothes lint dryer filter. Generally, the lint filter is located in the door opening of the dryer. On some models, the lint screen may be located on the dryer’s back wall. Some dryers will have more than one lint filter. If unsure, check your owner’s manual.

We recommend cleaning your lint filter after each and every use. When lint is trapped in the dryer, it causes the motor to work harder causing wear and tear. A clogged vent will also block airflow to the machine and this could cause it to overheat. To clean your lint filter, simply pull out the lint trap screen. Remove any large clumps of lint, thread or debris. Then, rinse under warm, soapy water.Allow to dry completely before replacing it into your dryer. If you spot any lint in the replacement slot, give a quick vacuum to remove excess. A torn or damaged lint filter must be replaced immediately. You can find the right lint filter for your model at Statewide Appliance Spares.

Cleaning your dryer lint filter is easy! Find out how on the e Statewide blog or watch our YouTube video.

2. Make sure your dryer is stable and positioned securely

Chances are you installed your dryer some time ago, adjusting the dryer’s feet to ensure it was level and stable. If you notice that your appliance is moving and vibrating upon use, it is a good idea to use the adjustable leveling legs to even out the machine and ensure it is positioned flat and securely against the floor or wall.

3. Don’t overload your dryer

Avoid overloading your dryer by keeping your loads to slightly more than half the drum.  Overloading your dryer puts a heavy strain on the drum belt, pulley and bearings.  Likewise, when your dryer is overloaded, it can cause the motor to work harder and overheat. This in turn will shorten its lifecycle. 

With reduced airflow, an overloaded machine cannot properly dry your clothes. So, save on energy use and keep the load light.

4. Ensure your dryer is well ventilated

Make sure the area around the dryer is well ventilated and free of clothes, clutter or other items. Clutter in this area can elevate the temperature of the drum and may lead to a fire.

5. Give your dryer a good clean

Wipe down the exterior and interior of your dryer with an all-purpose spray and soft cloth regularly.  This will help remove dirt, grime and build up. Don’t forget the knobs and buttons, which can accumulate dirt and bacteria. When wiping down the drum, check for any debris that may be lodged in the drum grooves and remove.

6. Inspect your door seal for wear & tear

Typically, dryers have a seal located on the front and rear edges of the drum or just the front edge. Worn out, cracked seals will impact the air temperature in your dryer and impact drying times. If you notice any signs of wear and tear, the seal will need to be replaced.

7. Check your clothes labels are dryer safe

Always check the labels on clothing to make sure they are dryer safe. Avoid drying fabrics such as cashmere, wool, leather, suede, rayon & silk.

Maintain the lifespan of your dryer and keep it working at its best with our easy maintenance tips. Over time, dryer parts may start to deteriorate or need replacing. You can reach out to the friendly and helpful team at Statewide and find everything you need to keep your unit running like new. We have all your spare parts from drum belts, pulleys and bearings to wall mounting kits and seals.

Your clothes dryer has likely had a good workout over the winter months. With the onset of warm weather, give your clothes dryer a thorough clean. We share our top tips on our blog.

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