Dryer Maintenance

​Sign up to get Mother Daughter Projects updates in your email!​

Why dryer maintenance?

• A build up of lint in the dryer, dryer duct, or vent pipe can spark a fire.
• Lint buildup can make a dryer become less efficient and/or ultimately stop heating. 
• Clean the lint trap every time the dryer is used.
• Clean the dryer duct & vent pipe at least once a year or more if machine starts to dry less efficiently

Materials/tools:

• Vacuum with hand held tools
• Various dusting materials such as microfiber cloths
• Screwdriver
• Aluminum foil duct tape
• Dryer brushes
• Dust mask if especially sensitive to dust

Tips:

• Unplug dryer before starting to work.
• Remove the dryer duct to access the vent pipe. When reattaching, use aluminum foil duct tape to seal the duct to the vent pipe & back of machine before reattaching the clamps.
• Check the dryer duct for crimping as this can trap lint. In the video we shortened the duct as it was crimped at one end & was not sealed properly allowing dust into the room. The duct cuts easily with tin snips.
• Gently remove outside vent cover as it could break. 

​Updated 6/2/16
Viewer Tip:

• Sandra G. sent up a great tip about dryer health:
• "I read somewhere it's wise to wash the lint catcher periodically with soap and water. Apparently the build up of fabric softener (if you use dryer sheets) can affect the air flow."

---

Related Projects

Fix a Leaky Washing Machine

Install Access Panel

Mid-Century Stool Refresh