The working life of a clothes dryer is usually between 10 and 13 years, and care and maintenance are needed for the appliance to last that long. Not only does good maintenance help your dryer work the way it should, it prevents situations that could endanger your home. Indeed, dryer maintenance is geared as much toward preventing hazards as it is to helping your dryer live out its full life span. Here are some ways to prevent dryer problems. To learn even more, consult an appliance repair professional.

Keep the Lint Screen Clear

Probably the most important part of dryer maintenance is keeping the lint screen clear. This is a simple task that should be done before every load of wash is put into the dryer. A clogged lint screen stops air from flowing and can make the dryer overheat and start a fire. Make sure to replace the cleaned lint screen. If you don’t, lint can clog the vent, which also creates a fire hazard. The vent itself should be made of metal, which both lowers the fire risk and allows the dryer to work optimally. You should also remove any lint you find around the drum.

Don’t Overload

Overloading the dryer puts stress on the appliance because it takes longer than usual to dry the laundry. When the cycle is over, you may find some clothes dry and piping hot while others are still damp. Ideally, clothes should be dried in loads that allow them to rotate freely inside the drum.

Keep the Inside and Outside of the Dryer Clean

Even though clothes that come out of the washing machine are supposed to be clean, the dryer can still become surprisingly filthy over time. Once in a while use a cloth dipped in warm, soapy water and wrung until it’s just damp to clean the inside. Also, remember to clean the outside of the appliance and vacuum beneath and behind it. Make sure to unplug the dryer first.

Unplug the Dryer

Speaking of unplugging the dryer, it should not only be turned off but unplugged when it’s not in use. This not only removes the threat of fire but keeps children and pets safe. When the dryer is in use, keep children and pets clear of it.

Make Sure the Dryer Is Level

The moving parts of a dryer that’s not level are subject to even more wear and tear than usual. Your dryer’s feet are adjustable to make sure that the appliance is level, but if you don’t know how to adjust them or you can’t tell if the dryer is level even after you do adjust them, call a professional.

Call Us for More Information About Your Dryer

Your dryer saves you time and spares you the labor of hanging up and taking down loads of laundry, but it needs maintenance to operate safely throughout its life span. If you need troubleshooting or maintenance for your dryer, don’t hesitate to call our professionals at OB Appliance Repair of Bensalem, PA.