How to Prevent Common Dryer Problems
The dryer is one of the most convenient appliances in our homes, saving us from having to hang clothes to dry and wait. So, maintaining your dryer is critical, not only to ensure it keeps working properly but also to ensure your house is safe against potential hazards. Dryer maintenance is something many homeowners overlook, which can result in a string of common problems that can impact dryer efficiency and safety.
In today’s blog post, we’ll examine the importance of dryer maintenance, offer some practical tips, and discuss dryer safety precautions to ensure you can enjoy dry clothes without a hassle.
The Importance of Regular Dryer Maintenance
Like most other appliances, regular maintenance is critical to a dryer’s life cycle. It can ensure it’s operating efficiently, providing quick and effective drying of your clothes and, by extension, prolonging its lifespan. There is another significant benefit of routine dryer maintenance, however. Over time, lint and other debris can accumulate in the lint trap or dryer hose, becoming a severe fire hazard. Dryer fires are among the most common causes of home fires every year, with most of them caused by clogged lint traps and vents, so regular dryer maintenance can help you keep your home safe while enjoying the convenience of dried clothes.
Cleaning the Lint Trap
As mentioned above, the lint trap is a critical component of your dryer, both for safety and efficiency. Its main purpose is to catch lint and other debris from clothing and prevent it from entering the dryer’s venting system. Depending on the make and model of your dryer, it is typically located at the entrance or side of the dryer drum.
Cleaning the lint trap is quick and easy. Pull it out of the dryer and remove the lint manually or with a vacuum cleaner. We recommend cleaning the trap after every load to ensure it can’t clog up and cause issues. You can also use a vacuum or an extension to a vacuum to clean the lint trap area inside the dryer to remove any lint that may be stuck. Cleaning the lint trap regularly increases air circulation, which reduces drying times and prevents dryer fires.
Proper Venting
Proper venting is also crucial for dryer performance. The venting system expels hot, moist air from the dryer to prevent excessive heat buildup that could damage the dryer or start a fire. Dryers typically use three types of vents: rigid, semi-rigid, and flexible. Rigid vents are the most efficient, while flexible vents are prone to kinks and blockages.
We recommend inspecting and cleaning your dryer vent at least once a year. Signs of improper venting include longer drying times, excessive heat, and a musty odour in the laundry area. Ensuring the vents are clear will enhance your dryer’s performance and prevent the growth of mould and mildew, which, in turn, helps you maintain a healthier home environment.
Avoiding Overloading
A common mistake is overloading your dryer. One of the main principles of a dryer is that the laundry gets dried by hot air circulating between the clothes, efficiently drying them. If the dryer is overloaded, the clothes can’t tumble freely, leading to longer drying times and excessive wear on the dryer. As a consequence, you will experience clothes still being humid after a full cycle, excessive and unusual noises, and vibrations.
Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines on the maximum load size to ensure even and quicker drying, reduce wear and tear, and boost your dryer’s efficiency and lifespan. Proper loading will keep your dryer running smoothly and efficiently and save you money on repairs and energy.
Additional Preventive Maintenance Tips
Other than the lint trap and vents, you can use a few other maintenance practices to boost your dryer’s performance. Check the dryer drum for wear and tear, such as dents or scratches, and listen for unusual noises like squeaking or grinding while the dryer is running. These sounds could mean the drum is not spinning correctly, leading to further damage. Also, periodically inspect the dryer belt for wear or damage. A broken or worn belt can cause the dryer to stop working altogether. If you notice either of them, we recommend calling a professional technician for assistance to avoid further damage.
While you can perform many maintenance tasks on your own, regular professional dryer maintenance is also recommended. A certified technician can conduct a thorough inspection, including cleaning internal components, and identify potential problems before they escalate. Professional services typically include inspecting the heating element, checking the electrical connections, and ensuring all components function correctly. Most people choose annual or bi-annual maintenance to give them peace of mind and increase their dryer’s efficiency and longevity.
Trust the Experts of iCare Appliance Repair
Regular dryer maintenance can prevent most common dryer problems or allow you to address them before they escalate into bigger and more costly issues. Clean the lint trap, ensuring clear vents, and avoid dryer overloading can significantly extend the lifespan of your dryer and also prevent fire hazards, keeping your home sound and safe.
If these steps do not prevent or resolve the problem, we recommend professional dryer maintenance. iCare Appliance Repair is here to help you with all your appliance repair needs.
If you feel your dryer needs more thorough maintenance or repairs, or if you have any questions, consider calling iCare Appliance Repair, your trusted source for professional and efficient dryer repairs and information.
At iCare Appliance Repair, our technicians are factory-trained and licensed to service almost every major model and brand. We offer same-day and after-hours dryer repair services, including evenings and late hours. Contact us today at (647) 370-2828 or complete our convenient online form to learn more.
