A well-maintained dryer can make a big difference in how your clothes look and feel. It can affect the vibrancy of clothes and how long it lasts. Dryer maintenance can also extend the life of your equipment and significantly reduce your total cost of ownership.

Inspect the Outlet

Modern dryers will generally have a dedicated 240-volt outlet. Check it at least once a month before and after you dry a load. Before, ensure a tight connection and look for burn marks. After, verify that the plug isn’t overly warm to the touch. Any issues could indicate a problem with the dryer, the outlet, or the wires connected to it.

Clear the Area Around the Dryer

The dryer area should be reasonably free of clutter. Avoid dust, paper, fabric, and other materials that could ignite and cause a fire. It’s also important to ensure adequate ventilation. If there’s not enough air movement, a dryer can run hot, which can cause components to wear out faster than normal.

Clear the Lint Trap Before Each Load

There are two concerns with lint. One is that lint is highly flammable and can easily ignite. That can seriously damage the dryer or even lead to a house fire. The other is that lint restricts airflow and causes a dryer to run hotter than it should. Clean the filter with a brush or vacuum every load. For a lint-heavy load, stop the unit mid-cycle and clean it again.

Don’t Overload

Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for load sizes. Oversized loads lead to inconsistent drying. They also cause overheating and vibration that can damage the motor and sensors.

Check and Clean the Dryer Vent

The dryer vent is at the back of the unit. It’s often connected to a hose that goes outside. Clean it at least once a year and twice a year if you use your dryer often. You need to remove the hose. Then, clean out the dryer vent, hose, and external vent. Do this before running your dryer that day to ensure all components are cool to the touch.

Examine and Clean the Drum

Without the unit plugged in and any clothes in it, manually rotate the drum. You shouldn’t hear any unusual noises. There also should be no unevenness or resistance in the movement. If there is, it could indicate an imbalance or a problem with a ball bearing or other component.

Schedule Professional Dryer Maintenance

Hire an appliance repair specialist to inspect, clean, and service your drier. Our specialist can replace switches, bearings, and other parts, and doing so will give you peace of mind during the year ahead.

If you want to schedule professional dryer maintenance in Forked River, NJ, call Brian’s Appliance Repair or contact us online today.