Whenever it comes to caring for our dryers, we often clean the dryer lint off of the filter, replace it, and then move on to the next load of laundry. While cleaning the dryer lint is important and it is something that needs to be done after every single load, there are a lot of other things you can to to make sure that your dryer is able to continue to support your laundry needs for a long while to come.
Here are some common and not so common tips on how to keep your dryer in tip top shape!
Don’t Overload The Dryer (Or The Washer For That Matter!)
One of the biggest stresses we place on our washer and dryer is that we often stuff them to the brim with clothes. After all, the clothes fit and they will eventually get cleaned right? But filling the dryer and washer all the way up to the brim with clothes can do a lot of damage to the machine. The motor can get stressed and will eventually break under the strain of moving so many clothes around, and the sensors can also get damaged.
But the biggest issue when overloading your washer or dryer is that they won’t wash or dry the clothes properly. This means that you might have clothes that are only partially washed or dried, while the others are perfect. This often means you will need to do two loads, and if you are going to do two loads anyway then you might as well do it from the start.
Every single washer and dryer will vary on what ‘being overloaded’ means, but a good rule of thumb is to leave space for the clothes to move around so they aren’t packed together. Additionally, leave at least six inches of space between the top of the washer and dryer and the clothes pile.
Check The Balance Of The Dryer
While it might be fun to sit on a bouncing and shaking dryer while clothes are being dried and the machine is in use, that can actually cause problems in the long run for your dryer. Constant bouncing and shaking is often a sign that your dryer level is off, and that can cause problems for the internal components of the dryer. They will shake and be bounced around, which will damage them.
So if your dryer is constantly shaking and moving when it is being used, check on the feet at the bottom of the unit, and while you are there down below the dryer you can perform our next maintenance task.
Also Read: Samsung AirDresser – The Wardrobe That Refreshes, Disinfects, and Irons Your Clothes
Clean Around and Underneath The Dryer
Laundry rooms can get very dirty very quickly, and if you don’t get on top of the dirt and debris quickly it can start to cause a lot of problems for you. Moisture, lint, dirt, and other debris can get in and around the dryer, leading to all sorts of problems including mold and bug infestations. So make sure to sweep, vacuum, and wipe around the washer and dryer at least every few months. Additionally, you can wipe down the interior of your dryer as well. Make sure to unplug the dryer, then give it a good wipe down with a rag and warm soapy water.
You can also clean your washer as well, because the constant washing of clothes doesn’t actually clean the machine the way that you think it does, and many of these washers and detergents can actually leave residue behind that will fill up the washing machine and get on your clothes.
So you can full your empty washer with hot water, then add a quart of bleach and allow the washer to run for one minute to allow both items to mix up. Open the washer and allow the water and bleach mix to sit for an hour before running a complete cycle.
The bleach will drain out, and then you just need to repeat the process with a quart of white vinegar to the water. This will clean the basin and then you can spray the rest of the machine with a mix of vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and wipe everything down with a cloth.
Clean The Vents With Professional Help
If you notice that your dryer is taking longer to clean clothes, or it isn’t drying out your clothes as well as it used to, then you might need to work with a professional to clean out the vent system. Dryer vents are what allow your dryers to dry, because all that wet hot air in your dryer has to go somewhere right?
Well, lint and other debris can get inside those vents and start to block the airflow meaning that your dryer will need to work harder for the clothes to dry, which will eventually ruin your dryer over time. Plus, every single time you use your dryer you are running the risk of a fire hazard, which isn’t something that you want to deal with.
There are a lot of problems and factors that can lead to a dryer vent blockage becoming a serious and complicated problem, so don’t be afraid to reach out for professional help. If you want to reach out to a company that has experience unblocking dryer vents, then click here and let them help you out!
React To The First Sign Of Needing Repairs
Often whenever your dryer shows signs of needing repairs, many people ignore it as long as the dryer still works and the clothes are still dry. However, that’s not a good habit to have, as ignoring the problem will cause a lot of trouble for your dryer, your home, your clothes, and your bills!
So make sure to take the initiative and get your dryer repaired and maintained as much as possible, as soon as possible. Because the quicker you return your dryer to tip top shape, the less hassle you need to deal with.