As the owner of a washer and dryer, it’s your job to keep your appliances running smoothly. But if you don’t know how to do some repairs on your own, you might have to call an Appliance Repair Maple Valley WA team instead, which can be inconvenient and expensive! To prevent this from happening, check out these tips on the best way to keep your dryer running smoothly so you can continue saving money and time on laundry day.
How Dirty is Too Dirty?
You don’t have to give your dryer a complete inspection after every load, but it’s a good idea to check it out periodically for issues. Look for anything amiss, like clumps of lint or mold or unusual smells that indicate something is wrong. Take a look at your lint trap. If you find large amounts of lint behind it (or if there’s no lint trap), you might need to clean out your venting system. And don’t forget about checking your air filter—if it looks dirty, replaces it! All these things can affect how well your dryer works and will save you time and money in repairs down the road.
Step 1: Lint Removal
You’ve just purchased a new dryer and you want it to last for years, so you should inspect your machine before each use. For example, if your machine is gas-powered or electric, unplug it first, then clean out any lint buildup inside of it. A dryer lint screen has one job: stopping lint from entering your home’s venting system. Unfortunately, these screens can get clogged up over time.
Step 2: Stiff Bristles
A dryer’s bristles are a big part of what makes it great at drying clothes. Without them, you’d be stuck with a bunch of wet clothes and a musty smell in your home—not fun! However, they can get stiff over time. This can cause your dryer to work harder and run longer than necessary, which will cost you money in energy bills as well as wear on your appliance. To prevent this from happening, clean out your lint trap after every use.
Step 3: Vacuum Filters
The filters inside your dryer make sure that the air is clean and free of lint before it enters your home. Over time, they can become clogged with dust, lint, and other particulates. When that happens, you need to replace them! Be sure to remove both filters and place them in a plastic bag for storage—the less dust in your house (and dryer), the better!
Step 4: Exhaust Filter
If you have a venting system, check to see if your dryer has an exhaust filter. The exhaust filter is typically located at the end of your venting pipe outside your home. Make sure it’s clean and free of lint. If it’s clogged, replace it with a new one. If your exhaust filter looks like metal mesh, make sure there are no holes in it and that all slats are intact and tightly secured.
How Do I Know If My Dryer Is Working Well?
You can tell if your dryer is working properly by monitoring its heating element and internal temperature. To do so, place a non-contact thermometer in one of your dryer’s pockets. The internal temperature should be above 160 degrees Fahrenheit before you put in clothes and sheets for drying. If it’s not, you may have a problem with your dryer unit that requires service from a qualified technician at Dryers Repair Maple Valley WA.
Where Can I Find Replacement Parts?
In a perfect world, we’d never have to worry about our appliances. Unfortunately, certain parts can wear out with time and use—and when they do, they need to be replaced. When it comes time for your dryer repair in Maple Valley WA, make sure you have access to replacement parts. Parts such as gas igniters, blower motors, and circuit boards tend to break down over time.
What Are Some Tips for Maintaining My Machine?
If you have a dryer at home, you may be familiar with some of these tips. But maybe you’re an apartment dweller and don’t have much experience with laundry appliances. Either way, it doesn’t hurt to go over some basic maintenance. Here are some quick fixes for typical problems that can occur!
- Clean your lint trap after every load.
- Replace your vent filter if it becomes clogged or dirty.
- Check hoses regularly for damage and cracks (they are easily replaceable).
- Make sure all connections are tight between your washer and dryer, especially where hoses connect to machines.
- Look for worn parts or any other signs of wear—for example, check out rollers on indoor tracks or drive belts on motor pulleys.
