The fall months are the perfect time to give your appliance care with routine maintenance. While you may naturally think about appliances like the fridge, dishwasher and range, your laundry room appliances need maintenance as well. Some people assume that the only maintenance work needed on a dryer is cleaning the lint trap. However, this is not the case. Maintaining your dryer will help you optimize its performance, reduce repair issues and extend its longevity. How do you maintain a clothes dryer?

Clean the Dryer Drum

Only clean clothes are loaded into the dryer’s drum, so it’s easy to assume that the drum never requires cleaning. However, laundry detergent and fabric softener can build up on the drum’s walls over time. This residue can capture lint in some cases. Wiping down the dryer’s drum periodically ensures that your clean clothes stay clean in the dryer, and it helps with the dryer’s efficiency. To clean the dryer, unplug the cord from the wall, and use rubbing alcohol or soapy water to remove the residue.

Remove Lint From the Vent and Hose

While the lint trap will capture most of the lint, some will escape and reach the vent and hose. You can minimize the amount of lint that reaches these areas by cleaning the lint trap after each use. As lint builds up in the vent and hose, the dryer works less efficiently. It takes longer to dry the clothes, and the dryer can overheat. Because lint is flammable, the excess heat can result in a fire. Often, people opt to hire a professional to clean the hose as it extends to the exterior of the house.

Clean the Dryer’s Exterior

Just as dust and grime can build up on the exterior of your refrigerator, freezer and other appliances, it can accumulate underneath and behind the dryer. The dust and lint can accumulate quickly and become a fire hazard. To clean these areas, pull the dryer out from its location. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe off the sides and rear of the appliance. Then, remove the lint and debris from the wall, floor and baseboards. Accessing the lint hanging on the bottom of the dryer is easiest to do with a vacuum’s handheld attachments.

The Easy Way to Maintain Your Dryer

Your dryer is a large, clunky appliance that is difficult to move and reach behind. Rather than struggle with dryer maintenance, you can choose professional service. Reach out to Brian’s Appliance Repair in Forked River, NJ, for dryer service.