As the seasons change, you likely will take numerous steps to prepare your home for the coming season. While you are tending to your home’s various maintenance needs this fall, do not overlook the importance of caring for your clothes dryer. When your dryer is properly maintained, it will work more efficiently, require fewer repairs and have optimized longevity. Maintain your dryer this fall using these easy steps.

Wipe Down the Drum

The interior of your dryer can get covered in residue from laundry soap and fabric softener. Even if you cannot see the residue, it is important to wipe down the drum regularly. Doing so promotes your dryer’s efficient operation and keeps your clothes cleaner. After unplugging the dryer, wipe down the drum using either soapy water or rubbing alcohol. Ensure that the dryer’s drum is completely dry before plugging it back into the wall.

Clean the Vent and Ventilation Tube

The dryer’s lint trap should be cleaned after every use for optimal efficiency. However, even when you clean the trap often, lint can still reach the vent and flow up the ventilation tube. This dramatically reduces your dryer’s ability to dry the clothes. In addition, it can cause the dryer to overheat, decreasing its life. The intense heat can even ignite the flammable lint and cause a house fire. Cleaning the full length of the vent tube can be challenging without professional assistance.

Clean the Dryer’s Exterior

Just as you need to clean the exterior of your fridge and freezer, the dryer’s exterior needs to be cleaned periodically. In addition to lint building up in the vent and ventilation tube, it can find its way behind and underneath the dryer. These are often dark, damp spaces. Combined with heat from the dryer and the lint elements, these areas are prone to mildew and mold growth as well as a buildup of grime. To clean underneath and behind the appliance, pull the dryer away from the wall. Wipe down the wall and floor. Then, use a vacuum cleaner’s handheld attachment to vacuum dust and lint off of the back and bottom of the dryer.

Get Help From the Pros

After giving your dryer all the attention it needs this fall, you likely will notice a considerable improvement in how it operates. A well-maintained dryer can dry clothes more quickly, which saves time and reduces energy consumption. If you need dryer repair services this fall, reach out to Signature Appliance in Chattanooga, TN today.