How to clean a tumble dryer? Follow these 6 simple steps!

Cleaning your tumble dryer regularly is very important for the hygiene, efficiency and longevity of your tumble dryer. Whether you own a clothes dryer or rent one, regular maintenance will ensure that your dryer continues to perform optimally. In this article, we share our guide to cleaning your clothes dryer.

Why is regular cleaning important?

Regular cleaning of your tumble dryer is important, because if you don’t do this, a buildup of lint dust occurs. This is not only less hygienic for your laundry, but also creates a fire hazard. Moreover, a dirty dryer also functions less well, increasing drying time and your energy bills.  Fortunately, all this is easy to prevent by cleaning your dryer regularly.

What do you need to clean your tumble dryer? 

Before you can start cleaning, you’ll need a few items. Below we list them for you: 

lint brush or a good hoover.

• damp cloth or sponge
• Mild detergent 
• Screwdriver
• Brush

Dryer cleaning in 6 steps

Once you have all the essentials, you can start cleaning. We explain the process below easily and step-by-step. Good luck!

1. Clean your filter

If you want to use your dryer for as long as possible and have a fresh wash, we recommend cleaning the lint filter after every tumble. You can easily do this by taking the filter out of the dryer and removing the accumulated lint with your hands or a lint brush. Then rinse the filter with warm water to remove the last bits of dust. After this, let the filter dry thoroughly for a while before putting it back for the next wash.

2. Cleaning the drum

The drum of your tumble dryer can easily be cleaned with a damp cloth and a mild detergent. Simply wipe the inside of the drum with the damp cloth. This will remove any residue from fabric softeners. Make sure you don’t use abrasive cleaners! This can actually damage your drum.

3. Ventilation and air outlet hose

It is also important to clean the ventilation opening and the air outlet hose. This is because these can get clogged with lint and dust. Before cleaning these, it is important to disconnect the dryer from power and remove the air outlet hose. Then use a hoover to thoroughly clean the inside of the hose and vents. For even more thorough cleaning, you can use a brush.

4. Remove accumulated lint

Also check if there is accumulated lint in the dryer, you can easily check this by opening the back panels of the dryer with a screwdriver if necessary.  Then check for accumulated lint and carefully remove it with a hoover or lint brush. Make sure not to damage any parts in this process.

5. Let the exterior shine 

To give the finishing touch to your clothes dryer, you can clean the outside of the dryer with a damp cloth and a mild detergent. Don’t forget to wipe down the control knobs and control panel in the process, too.

6. Door seal

Finally, you can clean the door seal. This is where dust and dirt can collect, reducing the effectiveness of the dryer. Carefully wipe the seal with a damp cloth and make sure it is completely dry again before closing the door.

Additional tips for a longer lifespan

• Quickly clean the lint filter after every drying session to improve airflow
• Check the air outlet hose once a year to prevent blockages.
• Do not overload the dryer, this can lead to wear and tear on the dryer.

Let your worries be taken care of

Is it perhaps time for a new machine after all, or do you need some extra help with tips from professionals, for example? Then see if renting a tumble dryer is for you. You can rent a tumble dryer from as little as €11.99 per month at Homie. This includes thorough installation of the machine by professionals and you can always contact us with any questions about the dryer.