These days’ modern homes have less space both inside and out. Combi boilers have eliminated the need for an airing cupboard to be able to dry your clothes. Therefore in most homes the tumble dryer can be only way to dry your clothes.
Basic servicing of your tumble dryer will prevent high breakdown costs. It will dramatically reduce un-necessary electricity usage. And it will prolong the life of your dryer. I have compiled the 5 most important tips to help you maintain any tumble dryer.
Clear your filters regularly
Most tumble dryers have a filter. These can be found either in the door or at the front entrance of your dryer. They can be easily removed and Inspected by lifting them out of their compartment. For a tumble dryer work efficiently a dryer requires unrestricted airflow through the machine. The filter provides a partial barrier from the lint escaping through the exhaust vent. If you use your dryer regularly, then the filter will block up quickly. Therefore cleaning your filter often will speed up drying times. Plus save you money on electricity use and breakdowns. If you own a washer dryer then the filter is not accessible to be cleaned. This type of dryer will use water to clean the internal components of the dryer free of lint. Some washer dryers have a self-clean fluff removal programme. If your machine has this programme on your machine then it should be used every time you have used the dryer.
If you own a vented dryer there is another area that acts like a filter. This is the exit of the vent that appears on the outside wall. During the colder months your dryer has a lot of warm moist lint filled air exiting from the vent. This is when the lint will block the exit. This should be checked and cleared every six months.
Clean your condenser unit every week.
If you own the older style condenser dryer it is essential to remove, inspect and clean the condenser unit. The condenser unit is usually located behind a flap which is low on the front of the dryer. Their will often be either 3 or 4 locking tags to hold this unit in place. Once the condenser unit is removed it should be submerged in the sink or the bath for 5 minutes. This will soften the lint within the radiator grills. Then use the shower head or the tap to rinse the remaining lint from the unit. Once this is done, just shake of any water and re-fit back into the condenser unit housing. By keeping this unit clean will result in greater electrical efficiency, and prevention of breakdown of the drain pump, the thermostat and heater element.
If you own the newer self-cleaning heat pump condenser dryer the condenser unit is not accessible. This is because the lint build up is significantly less on this type of dryer.
Tumble dryer sheets and balls
Tumble dryer sheets are a good way avoid to using liquid fabric conditioner in your washing machine. They help stop static build up on your clothes, soften the fabric and keep then smelling fresh. However modern tumble dryers use the build-up of static to indicate when the clothes have completed the drying programme. By introducing a dryer sheet to an Auto sensing dryer will lengthen the drying times. Over time this could cause the machine to breakdown. If your machine is Auto sensing. Then it’s best to switch to the timed programmes to prevent damage to your dryer.
Dryer Balls are a great way to increase aeration into the clothes. This will speed up drying times and help to soften the fabrics.
Avoid overloading your tumble dryer
Putting too many clothes in your dryer will slow down or stop your machine from being able to dry. The extra weight can damage many of the components inside the dryer. As a guide half the drum should be empty. This will allow the clothes to move freely giving the clothes sufficient room to dry. Occasionally there might be a fault on the washing machine. If you washer is not pumping out correctly then a small amount of clothes with be laden with extra water. Never put the clothes from your washing machine into the dryer if the clothes are still dripping. This with do the same damage to your dryer as overloading.
On washer dryers you can wash with a full load. However when it come to the drying cycle it’s important to reduce the load to half. This will give sufficient room to allow the clothes to dry. Because the heat is damp in a washer dryer it will help to add a small dry hand towel to the wash load to speed up drying times.
Tumble dryer labels and symbols, Tumble dryer symbol meanings
Can be tumble dried
Tumble dry (low)
Tumble dry (high)
Do not tumble dry
Always check the care labels on fabrics. There are many man made fibres such as sports clothing that can’t be put in a tumble dryer.
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