how to open a dryer to clean it

Once it is apart, you can make any repair necessary and then reassemble the unit. Do NOT use a fabric softener sheet to scoop out lint. I put a pair of shoes in my dryer and ran it on high. Our team is doing their best to resolve these issues and ensure a positive shopping experience, and we appreciate your patience as we work diligently to address these concerns. The inside of the dryer starts to smell of burning; Now I will tell you how to clean a dryer vent. Tips to Keep Your Dryer Clean. After the filter is removed, place it under running water for a few seconds until all the dirt comes off. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. In back of most dryer units is a short 4-inch diameter exhaust. Total: (Before Taxes, Shipping, and Services). Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids based in northern Colorado. To purchase a water filter subscription, you must create an account or sign in to your existing account. You may be able to simply lie the dryer on its side and vacuum out any escaped lint from the bottom. For more information about our privacy practices and a list of affiliated brands, please read out /content/whirlpoolv2/en_us/services/about-us/privacy-statement.html. Whirlpool will be using the following information we gathered from the external platform you selected to create your account. This should be done whether your dryer is gas or electric. You should be able to access the hallow portion of the dryer with the body removed. But if it’s time for a new dryer, Whirlpool has the right one for your family. Next, vacuum the inside of the drum, and wipe it down using an all-purpose cleaner and a cloth. The laundry detergent and fabric softener that builds up on your lint screen can increase drying time. This article has been viewed 65,407 times. Remove the plastic cover that protects the end of the vent. Knowing how and when to clean your dryer vent can go a long way toward keeping it in shape. You Will Need: Bucket; Water; Soft cloths; Mild dish soap Steps to Clean the Dryer: Unplug the dryer before cleaning. Next, remove the filter located on the back of the dryer. Daily use can fill your appliance with dust and lint over time, which can affect your dryer’s performance and even pose a fire hazard. Ensure the lint trap is completely dry before running the dryer again. How can I clean the dryer now? By closing this message, you consent to our cookies on this device in accordance with our. Then dry with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. A Clean Dryer is a Better Dryer. Clean as far back in the duct as you can. You can also try using a magic eraser to get rid of the stains. ®/™ © 2020 Whirlpool. Once your account is created, you will be returned to checkout to complete your purchase. Detach the vent hose that connects the dryer to the wall. Spray the solution onto a microfiber cloth and wipe down the entire surface of the drum, the rubber seals and gaskets, and the interior of the dryer lid or door. Use a clean cloth dipped in … Use a nylon scrubbing brush and a little bit of liquid dish soap or laundry detergent to scrub the screen clean of lint and fabric softener buildup. Once a month, use a spray of 1/2 white vinegar and 1/2 water to mist the inside of the drum. The WD-40 could seep through the holes of the drum and cause a fire the next time you turn it on. Use hot water and wet both sides of the lint screen. Wrap a towel around a broomstick or piece of wood and insert it into the mouth of the vent. Taking the dryer apart will take the average do-it-yourselfer less than 30 minutes. Tumble a load of clean clothes or towels to dry the drum. … Your dryer's exhaust vent may be clogged if dry times are lagging, clothes aren't getting dry or you can't feel air moving through the outside vent. Slide your dryer back into place. How do you remove socks that have spilled out of the dryer? Important Safety Tip: Before attempting to clean your dryer, it is important to UNPLUG YOUR DRYER. Driscoll received her Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health in 2016. The louver is usually held in place with one or two screws that you can remove with a Philips head screwdriver. On gas models, close the shut-off valve in the gas supply line, then disconnect and cap the supply line pipe. Leave the lid or door open and allow the drum to dry out. They melted and made one heck of a mess. The top or front panel comes off most Whirlpool machines near the lint filter. Providing your exact location will allow us to ensure our products are available in your area. Open the door of the dryer and remove the owner's manual or any packing material inside. Link your shopping cart across all your devices! To clean the screen, just lift up and wipe out the lint with your fingers, discarding the debris. Clean the lint filter: If your lint filter is clogged, heated air will not freely flow through the drum, slowing the drying cycle. Next, push the brush inside the vent, twist it to trap the lint in the brush, and remove the brush to clean … The inside of the dryer feels wetter than usual. Take the lint catcher out of the lint trap and remove any lint built up on it. Use the same broomstick and towel to scrub excess lint from the inside of the exhaust exit and knock out any obstructions you may notice. Vacuum the screen and the lint trap that holds it using a narrow nozzle on the end of the vacuum hose. With the lint out of the way your hair dryer will last longer and it only takes an old toothbrush and a minute of your time. If the socks are stuck in the mechanical parts of the dryer, you may need to contact an appliance repairman to take the dryer apart. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Run an empty dryer cycle for 10 – 15 minutes to blow out residual dust and confirm that the vent is clean. Remove as much of the debris from the dryer’s hose exit as you can by hand. Rubbing alcohol is flammable, so never apply it directly into the dryer drum. Clean the entire vent system, starting with the hose at the back of the dryer and continuing all the way to the outside vent. The lint trap below can be vacuumed or cleaned out with a long brush. How To: Clean a Dryer By adding only 30 seconds onto your laundry routine—and performing a deeper clean four times a year—you can keep your dryer in tip-top condition. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Spray the dryer or rag with your cleaner of choice and wipe down the exterior completely. Clean dryer exterior To remove the dryer’s top, lift out the lint trap and, underneath it, unscrew the screws that secure the dryer’s top. Rinse both sides thoroughly with hot water. MSRP is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, which may differ from actual selling prices in your area. Cleaning your dryer vent is essential, so schedule a service appointment if it's difficult to find or access your dryer duct and outside exhaust vent. The dryer does not introduce anything other than heat and air to your clothing in the drying process, so as long as you have eliminated traces of the dryer sheet within the drum, you should be safe. Using a vacuum crevice tool or dryer cleaning brush, carefully clean the interior and exterior of the lint trap, as well as the moisture sensor strips on the outside of the lint trap. Keeping your dryer clean is keeping your dryer safe. Unplug the dryer and let it cool down completely. Always make sure the dryer drum and lint trap are completely dry before operating the dryer. Locate your dryer's lint screen, which is most likely near the dryer door. Wipe it down with a microfiber cloth, and leave the dryer door open so it can air dry. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Scrub with nylon brush, hot water and liquid detergent to remove buildup. Remove any tape or clamps holding the exhaust vent pipe to vent on the back of your dryer. The smell in your dryer can quickly be transferred to your newly laundered items, making them smell just as bad. Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids based in northern Colorado. If the ink stain persists, try using an all-purpose cleaner or a vinegar and water solution. For maximum dryer efficiency and safety, you should always keep your dryer lint screen and vent free of excess lint and debris. Just clean your dryer vent hose or tube and let the dryer burn off and exhaust all remaining remnants of debris, smoke, and odor. If it's covered in lint it won't work correctly, which can lead to your dryer turning off before everything is dry. If there is still some residue left, use warm water to wet a washcloth and leave it on the candy for a few minutes. % of people told us that this article helped them. If the all-purpose cleaner fails to remove the ink, blot some rubbing alcohol on a rag and use the rag to scrub away the remaining ink. Remove large chunks of lint or debris with your hand and inspect the tube for obstructions. Step 3 Remove the two screws at the rear of the top panel and then slide the top panel forward and lift if off of the dryer. Pay close attention to the area around the dryer's base and the lid as they are the most prone to gather grime and lint. Most exhaust hoses are held on with a hose clamp that will loosen by using a flat head screwdriver to unscrew the clamp. Have you ever pulled your favorite shirt, sweater or pair of jeans out of the dryer, only to find that it’s small enough for your pet? Use a half vinegar, half warm water mixture to clean the exterior of your dryer without chemical cleaners if you choose. [1] Yes, I'd like to receive occasional special offers, promotions, or other e-mail marketing communications from Whirlpool and its affiliated brands. Find out here. For an electric dryer, rub the drum with a soft cloth that has been dipped in a mild hand-wash dish soap diluted in very warm water. Turn machine to a heating cycle: Check to make sure that your dryer is on a drying cycle that includes heat.An "air-only" cycle will not adequately dry the clothing. I soaked up contaminated moldy water with towels and accidentally dried them in the dryer without washing them first. Cleaning lipstick from the inside of the dryer drum will be easier if the dryer is still warm. Driscoll received her Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health in 2016. : Due to the impact of COVID‑19, delivery times may be longer than usual and some products may be out of stock. 5 Remove the screen by pulling up, then gently remove the lint from the screen by hand and put the lint trap back. To tumble dry or not to tumble dry: that is the question. Some inks can be scrubbed off with relative ease. Remove as much of the lipstick as possible with a soft, dry cloth. Subscribe to Receive Clean the dryer duct opening with a brush or vacuum hose. Get on a stepladder for better access, if your dryer is stacked on your washer. Last Updated: August 8, 2019 Towel dry and replace the lint screen when dry. Wait, what does tumble dry even mean? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 65,407 times. If your dryer is not drying loads of clothing in the same amount of time it used to, your clothes are coming out of the dryer extremely hot, or it’s been a long time since the last time you cleaned your dryer, it may be time to give it a thorough cleaning. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/eb\/Clean-a-Clothes-Dryer-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-a-Clothes-Dryer-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/eb\/Clean-a-Clothes-Dryer-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid1867527-v4-728px-Clean-a-Clothes-Dryer-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":322,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"510","licensing":"