You don't realize just how much you depend on your home's laundry system until something happens that prevents it from operating properly. If you're having trouble with your dryer, there are a few things to try before calling in the professionals. Here, you'll find the best ways to get your dryer drying your clothes efficiently again.
Lint Problems
Lint is a huge problem when it comes to maintaining a clothes dryer. If the lint is allowed to build up through the exhaust system, two things happen: your clothes don't dry and there is a potential for a fire igniting in the exhaust.
So, the best starting point is cleaning out the lint trap, the exhaust hose, and the exhaust cover on the outside of your home.
To do this:
- Unplug the dryer.
- Slide it away from the wall.
- Use a screwdriver to loosen the clamps holding the vent hose in place.
- Use a shop vac to suck all of the lint trapped inside the hose out.
- Use attachments to clean as much lint, dirt, and dust around the attachments.
- Go outside and use a broom or cloth to wipe out the vent cover.
- Put it all back just as it was and give it a test run.
Opening up this vent will allow the hot, moist air to escape from the dryer, rather than keeping it trapped inside with the clothing you're trying to dry.
Slow to Dry
If the dryer is taking longer to dry than you'd like, try breaking the laundry into smaller loads. The smaller loads introduce less moisture into the dryer and allow for the clothing to move more freely as it tumbles.
If possible, run an extra spin cycle while the clothing is in the washing machine. This is especially helpful when trying to dry heavy items like sweatshirts, towels, and bedding.
Another reason it could be slow to dry is due to a failing heating element. If you're a little bit mechanically inclined, there are a lot of tutorials that will walk you through testing the heating element, but it's best left to a professional.
Talk with your local dryer repair professional for help. They will be able to troubleshoot the entire system and provide you with suggested repairs and a price estimate. You can then decide if it would be better to upgrade to a new appliance or repair the existing one.
For more information, visit a website like Appliance-Mend.com.
