Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
THE LAUNDRY ROOM — A good electric or gas clothes dryer can save lots of time and effort on a regular basis, but that doesn't mean these appliances don't also sometimes need some attention. It takes maintenance to keep them working efficiently and safely.
You'll find that an ounce of prevention truly is worth a pound of cure when it comes to your dryer. By consistently doing the little things, manufacturers suggest in product manuals and online tutorials you'll extend the life of your dryer and reduce the risk of fires caused by lint buildup.
5 tips to get started
Keep the load size in check
It's tempting to really pile in the clothes in hopes of doing fewer loads of laundry. But, according to manufacturers, the larger the load, the larger the strain on your appliance. Not only will clothes from an overloaded dryer come out smelling musty, but this practice can also lead to breakdowns and reduce the life of the motor.
Take your lint screen cleaning to the next level
You should already be cleaning the lint screen after every load. It's a great habit that allows air to move more freely and improves performance from top to bottom. But your lint screen might also need to be deep cleaned on a quarterly basis. Add a drop of laundry detergent and carefully rinse away any accumulated residue. Depending on the model of your dryer, you might even be able to put the lint screen in the dishwasher.
Clean the exhaust vent
Speaking of lint, makers indicate that consumers should vacuum the exhaust vent on an annual basis. Simply disconnect the vent from the dryer and clean it using a vacuum attachment. This will remove any built-up lint that could potentially create blockages or contribute to a fire hazard. If you don't have a vacuum that'll work, or you don't feel comfortable doing this task yourself, don't hesitate to hire a professional to do it for you.
Make sure it's leveled out
Just like with washing machines and dishwashers, your dryer needs to be properly leveled in order to work correctly and quietly. Consult the owner's manual for instructions, and then use a leveling tool to get the feet adjusted to the perfect height.
Keep the drum squeaky clean
Every couple of months, clean out the dryer's drum to make sure residue doesn't build up. You can do this with a microfiber cloth and a dab of rubbing alcohol. Once you're finished, be sure to leave the dryer's door open to allow it to dry out completely.
A couple of brands to try
Modern technology helps dryers use less energy and time to finish a load, and be gentler on clothing. Here are a couple of solid options I would recommend:
Amana 6.5 cu. ft. electric dryer
This affordable dryer from Amana delivers consistent results and good features for less than $500. This dryer gets high marks for its durability and has 11 dry cycles to choose from.
Bonus features include temperature sensors that automatically end each cycle to prevent overdrying and a "wrinkle-prevention option" that reduces creasing. You won't get many bells and whistles with this budget model, but it definitely delivers on all the basics.
LG 7.4 cu. ft. ultra large capacity smart front-load electric Energy Star dryer
This electric dryer from LG is, in my opinion, one of the most versatile on the market. It's designed to be closet-depth to fit in tight spaces. But despite the compact sizing, it still manages to have 7.4 cubic feet of super-sized capacity. It's also stackable on compatible models to save even more space. I also love that the door is easily reversible, meaning you can choose whether you want it to swing out to the left or right to best fit your space.
The sensors in this dryer use AI tech to identify the fabric texture and other details of each load, then adjust the settings to best care for your clothing and conserve energy. And the dial control is super easy to use, which is important given this model's many advanced features.
One final feature deserving of a special mention is the "FlowSense" duct clogging indicator that shows when ducts and lint filter need to be cleaned out. This helpful reminder ensures better results with each load, while also helping you avoid lint accumulation that can become a fire hazard.
