Dryers are available at a range of price points, but regardless of their cost, it’s important to do what you can to prevent them from experiencing problems. Doing so can keep repairs and replacements at bay. Let’s talk about some of what you can do to prevent dryer issues at your home.
Clean the Lint Trap Every Time
It’s important to clean the lint trap every time you use the dryer. Put a small garbage can several feet from the appliance to make it easy to quickly clean the trap and toss out the contents.
Don’t Continue to Use the Dryer if There’s a Problem
When you’re stuck with a full load of clothes to dry, it may seem tempting to continue using the dryer even though it’s obvious something doesn’t seem quite right. For instance, maybe there’s an odd smell, or it’s making an abnormal noise.
If anything seems wrong, turn the dryer off, unplug it, and call for professional dryer services. Attempting to use the appliance anyway could result in a variety of problems, from clothes that won’t dry to starting a fire.
Get to Know Your Settings
Many people don’t even open the dryer instruction book before using the appliance, but understanding the settings is one of the best ways to fully grasp how to properly use the appliance. Read through the instruction book before you do your first load of laundry.
Don’t Overload the Dryer
Overloading your dryer is one of the major ways for problems to start. The smaller the dryer, the less you’ll be able to put in it. As much as you might want to put an entire load from the washer into the dryer, first determine whether you need to dry it in one or two loads.
Be Careful What You Put in the Dryer
In addition to not overloading the dryer, it’s essential to know what you shouldn’t put in there. For example, sneakers, fabric with flammable liquid remnants on it, and plastic footwear should never go in a dryer. You also need to empty your pockets of items like coins, lighters, and gum before you put them into the washer (and later the dryer), as many pocket-sized items have the potential to damage the machines and/or start a fire.
Schedule Dryer Vent Cleaning
Proper dryer vent cleanings can allow your appliance to work properly while also preventing dangerous fires. Scheduling an appointment once a year can be advantageous, but if you use the dryer often, it’s even better to have the task done every six months.
Prevent dryer issues before they have a chance to ruin your daily routine. Contact our team at The Appliance Man Kentuckiana in Louisville, KY, to keep your dryer in peak condition.