Extending the Life of Your Dryer

It’s in your best interest to have your dryer live a long, healthy life. Not only are dryers expensive to replace, but they can be dangerous when not properly cared for. We’ve put together a few simple steps to follow to ensure your dryer keeps cycling for years to come. 

Empty Your Lint Trap 

The first rule of dryer upkeep is to empty the lint trap after every load of laundry. It doesn’t matter if it was a small load, or if the trap doesn’t look dirty. Cleaning it out takes a few seconds, and it can add a significant amount of life to your dryer. 

It also helps it run better, keeping your energy bill down while your clothes dry faster. 

Don’t Run Your Dryer for Longer Than Needed 

Some people put their dryer on the same time-length/cycle no matter what they’re drying. This is a mistake. You should only run your dryer for the minimum amount of time needed to dry your clothing.  Be mindful of how big the dryer load is and how wet it is, and set the dryer accordingly from there. 

Some newer dryers have moisture sensors that can automatically turn off when your clothes are dry. It’s definitely worth checking to see if yours does. 

Don’t Overload  

Stuffing as many clothes as possible into your dryer seems like it might save time, but it really doesn’t. An overfilled dryer will struggle to properly dry clothes, forcing you to run additional cycles anyway. Additionally, this places added stress to the dryer, which causes it to wear out faster. 

Clean on the Outside 

Washer/dryer areas can get dirty. Detergent and softener spills. Dust is abundant. If you want your dryer to maintain appearances over its life span, keep it clean inside and out.  

Have Your Dryer Vents Cleaned 

Dirty dryer vents can cause serious problems. When vents are blocked, your dryer works harder. When it works harder, it’s less efficient, it wears out more quickly, and it increases the chances of danger. Failure to clean dryer vents is the leading cause of dryer and washing machine fires. 

By having your vents professionally cleaned, you can protect not just your clothes dryer, but your family as well. For dryer vent cleaning in the Springfield, Ohio area, contact Air Duct Cleaning & Radon Co today!