Dryer Maintenance & Care Tips

Here are a few tips on how to get the most out of your machine.

WASHER/ DRYER

Please note: Not all of this advice will apply to “front loaders/HE/digital” machines. Please refer to your owners manual for care.

1. Never Overload Your Machine.

You might save yourself an hour or so from washing an extra load, but this will leave you with clothes that aren’t properly washed; the detergent won’t be distributed evenly and there isn’t enough room for proper agitation. You can easily break your machine as well. And just because it didn’t break the first time doesn’t mean you aren’t doing damage to your machine. Overloading can cause unnecessary long term wear and effect multiple parts on your machine. Also, you may want to consider taking larger items to the dry cleaners or laundromat such as comforters, blankets and winter coats. Only commercial use machines were made to handle such items. These huge items can also easily throw your washer out of balance.

2. Be Careful To Not “Under-load” Or Have An Unbalanced Load.

Overloading and even under loading can lead to some of the same general problems. Your clothes will not be properly washed since they will not have enough material to wash against, leaving you with residual soil. Washing machines were designed for a certain amount of weight needed in the drum to offset the spin cycle. Avoid throwing your machine out of balance by adding another item and ensure weight is distributed evenly.

3. Never Slam The Door Or Lid.

There are necessary components in and around the door or lid that will easily break with rough use.

4. Ensure That Your Machine Is Level.

Is you’re washer bouncing around? Although overloading and under loading can cause this, so can a machine that isn’t level. It can be an unlevel floor or the pegs/feet that aren’t level. Either way it will lead to some of the same problems as an unbalanced load, overloading and under loading.

The simplest way to check if your machine is level is to lean on each side of the washing machine and make sure it does not move. If it moves, then it isn’t level. First, unplug your machine. Next try tilting the machine forward so that the back feet aren’t on the ground. Then, when you put the machine back into place, those feet should level themselves automatically. If that doesn’t work then screw the foot pegs in or out appropriately. A level might be a useful tool at this point.

5. Ensure You Are Running The Proper Cycle.

You can be running an imbalanced load by simply running the wrong cycle such as forgetting to switch from the gentle cycle on a heavy load. Each cycle has a weight limit. Also linens that are to one side of the machine will cause an imbalance. In this case, stop the cycle and redistribute/ readjust the clothes then continue the cycle. These machines and their cycles were designed to handle a certain amount of even weight. An imbalance can lead to the same results as the above mentioned.

6. Clean The Lint Filter After Every Use.

If you don’t want to catch your dyer on fire then clean the lint filter. It is Highly recommended that you clean the lint filter before or after every use since lint can get stuck in the dryer vent which can keep your dryer from working effectively or heating properly. This can also be a huge fire hazard. You should periodically vacuum around your machine and even behind the lint filter. Check to make sure the vent is clear. It is advised that you unplug your machine as a precaution. This information is intended for basic care and quick tips. There are more in-depth ways to clean your vents. When in doubt, ask or hire a professional.

7. Place Small Garments In A Garment Bag.

Small items such as baby socks and undergarments can get get lost in your machine. It isn’t the laundry monster that eats them. They can escape between the tubs, get sucked into the drain hose or pump etc. and clog/ break your machine.

8. Don’t Forget To Check Pockets Prior To Washing.

Crayons, gum, pens, nails, coins, screws etc. etc. etc. These small items can clog your machine, burn out or break the pump or its related components, and lead to annoying stains. Sharp objects can also tear your door seal. These small objects can cost you a great deal in repair costs. Always check pockets before washing and place small items in a garment bag. You can also turn pants inside out. This will improve the lifespan of your jeans, reduce the risk of escape, and keep from abrasive buttons scratching the drum and causing rust stains ( screws and other sharp objects can cause this as well).

Got an ink stain? Try rubbing alcohol to remove any ink remaining in your washer or dryer tub. Use a white towel or sponge dampened with the alcohol to remove the ink. Rinse with a clean cloth or sponge dampened with water.

Crayon in the dryer? Try scraping it out with a credit card. Then running the dryer on med/high heat for approx 10-15 minutes so it melts a bit. Then spray WD-40/degreaser spray/goo gone on a dry cloth and wipe it out. Warning: flammable spray! Be sure to use a second clean cloth with a bucket of hot water and mild dish detergent to clean all the interior surfaces of the dryer. You will want to clean the whole drum since these degreasers will leave an oily residue on the dryer walls if left to air dry.

9. Use The Right Amount Of Detergent.

Less is more. Or in this case, following the detergent directions rather than just filling the top of the cap. Most detergents are concentrated and the newer HE machines were designed to use less water so they do not need as much detergent. Use HE detergent that were designed for HE machines. Too much detergent creates a high, foamy tide inside the machine, lifting soil and lint above the water level so it isn’t rinsed away. That leaves residue on clothing that fades colors and attracts more dirt. Inside the machine, detergent buildup encourages odor and bacteria growth, and leads in time to clogging, wear and tear that will require professional attention.

10. Clean Your Machine Periodically.

Want to avoid those mildew smells? Or want to keep from detergent build up?

For the regular top loading washers: Let the tub basis of your washer fill with water, leaving the lid up. Add 2 cups of white vinegar to the washing machine. Allow the washing machine to sit there with the water and vinegar in it for 1 hour. Restart the washer and let it go through a full wash and rinse cycle. Once the cycle is done, open the washer, let it refill again with water and put in 2 cups of bleach. Allow the washing machine to sit there with the water and bleach in it for 1 hour.Restart the washer and let it go through a full wash and rinse cycle.

For front loading washers: Please refer to your owners manual. They also have washer tablets that dissolve in the dispenser.

Last helpful tip: Avoid mildew by leaving the washer lid or door open (at least until its dry inside).