Dryers are a staple in many households, a vital addition to many busy families. These life-saving machines are sturdy and easy to use. With proper care and maintenance, your trusty dryer can last you for years to come.
Without the correct maintenance, dryers can become deadly with dryers being the leading cause of house fires. Luckily, maintenance is easy. Here are our top 5 tips for dryer maintenance to ensure your home stays safe.
1 Clean The Lint Filter
Failure to clean the lint filter is the main cause of dryers catching fire. Still, so many people do not empty their lint filter.
Lint is super combustible and can reduce the airflow within the dryer mechanics, those factors combined with the heat of a dryer make one big firelighter.
Many modern dryers are more efficient and have a lower fire risk but the risk is always present. The best thing you can do is to clean out the lint filter after every load in the dryer.
Removing the lint is a sure way to reduce the fire risk from lint. You should also regularly remove the lint trap and give it a deep clean. You can do this with a vacuum cleaner and/or under the tap as long as the filter is completely dry before you put it back.
2 Clean The Vents
Your dryer has a vent that puts used air and dust from drying outside of the circulation of your house.
These vents can become dirty and blocked over time causing your dryer to be inefficient, meaning you will need to dry clothes longer to get them properly dry (increasing your power bill!).
These blocked vents can also become a fire hazard just as the lint trap as reduced airflow from clogged up vents can cause overheating.
In fact, the National Fire Protection Association recommends everyone to clean their dryer vents once a year (at the very least). Contact a dryer vent cleaning service for a professional vent cleaning like Universal Duct Cleaning. This way you can know it is safe.
3 Watch Your Products
The products you use in your dryer can also have an effect on their long-term maintenance. Some products, such as dryer sheets, can leave residue and clog vents faster than normal wear and tear. Use laundry treatments during the wash cycle instead of the dry cycle to protect your dryer.
4 Balance the Dryer
An unbalanced dryer is not only extremely noisy but can cause lasting damage to the longevity of your dryer. Make sure you balance your dryer so that it is level and can operate efficiently. Remember this whenever you move house or have to shit your dryer.
5 Surface Cleaning
Even though your dryer only services clean clothes, the odd bits of dirt and moisture can build up causing grime and odour. Regularly clean your dryer inside and out with a neutral and non-abrasive cleanser to keep it looking spick and span and functioning perfectly.
If you’re looking to get a free quote on duct cleaning or duct sanitizing treatments, contact our team today.
