6 Powerful Tips to Keep Your Clothes Dryer Clean and Efficient

Go on, give your clothes dryer some much-needed TLC

We know it might seem like just another chore, but trust us, keeping your dryer clean and more over lint-free isn’t just about efficiency – it’s about reducing drying time and dodging potential hazards.

Most people think that cleaning out their lint trap is all that is needed to keep their dryer in top condition, and it is true, keeping on top of the lint will go a long way to keeping your dryer generally clean. But when you’re busy, and a few loads deep in washing, it’s easy to skip this step and quickly have a dryer overflowing with lint – especially after drying towels and the like. The lint from an over-full lint trap loves to sneak beyond the filter and into the dryer vent and ductwork, causing hard to reach mess.

Not only will a full filter impede air flow and reduced drying efficiency, when your machine works harder you’ll get higher energy bills & longer drying times.

Worst of all, super heated lint is a fire hazard – especially if you use dryer sheets or have residue from dryer sheets still lurking in your machine. In 2019 it was reported that 54 house fires were a result of clothes dryers. Fire NZ names clothes dryers as a home fire risk.

So when you think about keeping up with your clothes dryer maintenance, remember you are ensuring your dryer last longer, cutting down drying times, and slashing your energy bills. Plus most importantly, keeping your family safe by dramatically reducing the risk of fire if you have a traditional heating dryer, this is serious safety here!

So, let’s dive in and see how a few quick steps can lead to a fresher, safer, and more efficient dryer. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to keep your dryer in tip-top shape naturally.

Signs your clothes dryer needs immediate attention

1. Clothes take longer to dry.
2. Dryer feels excessively hot to the touch.
3. Burning smell while the dryer is running.
4. Dryer shuts off unexpectedly.

How to Clean Your clothes Dryer

Step One: Cleaning the Lint Filter

First things first, grab the lint filter from inside your dryer and empty it out. Next, give it a gentle hot soapy wash with Figgy & Co’s Home Cleaning Castile Soap. Be mindful of the delicate mesh to ensure all the fine lint is washed away, allowing hot air to move through the filter easily. Rinse with fresh water and set it aside to dry. While it is drying, unplug your machine and wipe out or vacuum where the lint filter sits. Lint loves to hide there too!

Step Two: Vacuuming the Inside and Outside

Next, grab your vacuum and give the inside and outside of your dryer a thorough clean. Focus on where the dryer draws in air at the front and the hot air exhaust at the back. These areas can accumulate a lot of build-up from escaped lint mixed with damp warm air. If possible, remove the vent plate and vacuum inside. If the build up won’t easily come free with vacuuming, use a damp cloth to wipe out the trapped lint.

Step three: Checking the External Vent Cap

If your dryer is flued to the outside, check the external vent cap. Make sure the hot air can flow freely to the outside. You’ll find the vent cap on the wall or soffit. Keeping these vents clear is crucial for fire safety as lint build-up can become a fire hazard.

Step Four: Managing Moisture

If your dryer isn’t flued outside, consider setting this up. Each dryer load can release litres of water, and all that moisture is better off outside! You can find the necessary parts at hardware stores. It can be as simple as attaching vent tubing to the hot air exhaust and hanging it out the window when you do a load. It doesn’t have to be flash to work a treat!

Tip: Before making any modifications or performing maintenance, it’s always a good idea to check your clothes dryer’s manual. If you don’t have the manual handy, a quick Google search using your dryer’s model number can help you find it online.

Condensing Dryer Care

For those with a condensing dryer:

• Pull out the condensing unit at the front of your machine. It may leak water as you pull it out, so have a cloth ready. Wash it under the tap and clean inside the machine where the unit sits, removing as much lint as you can reach.

Heat pump Dryer TLC

For heat pump dryers:

• Access the filters at the front of your machine. Wash and dry them before returning. While the filters are out, check the fins and make sure they are free of lint. If there is a build-up, use a soft brush to flick the lint off and clean away.

Bonus Tip: Habit-forming

Make it easy, to make a habit of emptying your dryer lint filer after each load. The key is to have a visual reminder and a set up that makes it convenient. Why not place a bin or rubbish bag by the dryer to put the lint immediately into, or have something nearby to remind you to do it.

There you have it! Your dryer is now in tip-top shape, ready to tackle another mountain of laundry. Remember, it’s the little things like these that keep our homes running smoothly and safely. Happy Cleaning!

Why choose Figgy & Co’s Castile Soap for Cleaning?

Figgy & Co’s Castile Soap is perfect for getting your dryer nice and clean without leaving behind residues you’d rather avoid. Our soap is 100% pure, with no nasties, additives, dyes, or perfumes. It’s a gentle yet effective alternative to detergent, making it safer for our skin and waterways.

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