Stains on your dryer such as ink, grease, lipstick or melted crayon can be difficult to eliminate. First ensure the dryer is completely cool before wetting a microfiber cloth with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol.
Next, remove and clean out the lint trap after every use by unscrewing and clearing out its slot. It is wise to do this step at least every week or so.
Remove the Lint Trap
Lit traps, located either at the front or rear of your dryer, are one of the easiest parts to maintain and clean. They capture all the lint from drying clothes as well as fuzz, old detergent spills, coins and paperclips - if lingering lint remains after this process has finished then remove it and vacuum with either a crevice attachment or paper towel cardboard tube for optimal cleaning results.
As per HGTV, it is wise to clean your lint trap every few loads of laundry as fabric softeners and detergents may leave residue behind, according to their usage. When it comes time for cleanup, use warm water with soapy solution to wash and rinse before reassembling - this simple step helps prevent clogs while simultaneously permitting free airflow through the dryer - especially important if your vent can be blocked by birds or rodents.
Clean the Internal Parts
Clogged dryer vents or lint traps are potentially hazardous, leading to overheating and creating fire hazards; yet they're fairly simple and straightforward to maintain and clean. You don't require special tools or supplies - simply a regular cleaning routine with some time invested.
After taking this step, remove the mesh screen of the lint trap, use a brush and any available vacuum attachments or attachments to eliminate any remaining lint from your clothes dryer filter as well.
Utilize a long-handled dryer lint brush to clear out the ductwork leading to the outside vent, which will help prevent lint from building up inside your dryer as well. Also roll back and open the vent clamp (you may require a screwdriver), before inspecting its exterior vent for signs of damage or animal nesting.
Clean the Exterior
As hot air escapes the back of a dryer through its vent, lint from your clothes may accumulate and block airflow, hindering its efficient functioning and making life harder for the dryer itself. Regularly clearing out your lint trap will help limit this build-up; however, vents must also be professionally cleaned at least twice annually to remain functional.
Clean the exterior of your dryer vent by disconnecting its hose from the dryer and taking steps to access all areas. Use your brush and lint remover to swab any loose lint from inside and outside of the pipe using your dryer vent brush, replacing the cover once finished and returning all loose lint to its place - for some vent setups that run directly up through roof, you may require ladder assistance in reaching these more difficult areas, however; but it's a simple fix that could make a major impactful difference to its efficiency and safety!
Clean the Vent
Your dryer vent should be regularly checked to make sure it remains clear of lint buildup, which not only makes your machine work harder but can be a fire hazard as well. Before beginning this task, switch off both power supply and gas valve (if applicable). Clean any loose hairs, lint, dust or dirt that has collected outside the vent with either vacuuming or sweeping.
Once the exterior of your dryer has been stripped down, identify where it connects to the duct and remove its cover on the wall. Use either an commercially available vent brush with long narrow hose attachment or make one out of balled-up fabric or stick for cleaning the duct from back of dryer towards exit point; vacuum up any lint that you find along the way.
