Dryer Maintenance Tips
Venting
Airflow is the most important factor of a dryer's operation. Your dryer venting should be made of metal, preferably straight walled venting rather than flexible venting. Several years ago, the white vinyl duct that was commonly used in dryers no longer meets building codes. Vinyl ducts are more likely to contain a vent fire versus a metal vent.
Check the dryer vent if you experience longer than expected drying times. Restricted venting will cause air flow problems and fires. Check the entire length of the vent pipe for lint build-up at least once a year or more often if the dryer gets a lot of use. Remove any lint from the duct using a vent brush. Do not push the lint back into the dryer or let it clog any part of the vent.
By cleaning your dryer vent, drying time will improve and energy consumption increases since the dryer is not running as long to dry the clothes.
Care and cleaning lint filter
Check and clean the lint filter after every drying cycle. Replace the lint filter if it has any rips or tears in it. If the filter gets clogged with fabric softener residue, you can easily clean it with a soft-bristle brush and a little detergent. We also recommend cleaning the area that the lint filter fits into. If necessary, use a vacuum cleaner to reach into the duct and clean out any lint.
Cleaning the interior of the cabinet
The lint produced by clothes tumbling in a dryer is normally trapped by the lint filter. However, some lint will escape the filter and accumulate on the inside of the dryer cabinet. At least once a year, remove and check the inside of the cabinet, and clean it as needed. Do this more frequently if the dryer gets a lot of use.