Dryer Lint Filter Tip

Always clean the lint from the filter after every load of clothes… Do you know that dryer sheets cause a film over that mesh in your lint filter and that’s what can burn out the heating unit or cause longer than normal drying times. You can’t SEE the film, but it’s there.

The best way to keep your dryer working for a very long time is to take that filter out and wash it with hot soapy water and an old toothbrush at least every six months. You will lenghten the lifespan of your dryer.

Note: We went to dryer and tested my screen by running water on it. Sure enough, the water collected in a puddle, nothing went through screen! And this was after I used the vacuum cleaner hose on it! So I turned on the hot water and took a little detergent and a nylon brush and gave it a little scrub I had it done in 30 seconds. I then ran the water over the screen and what a difference the water just gushed through it with no puddle at all and this time!

How can I avoid a dryer fire?

Many people think of cleaning as a chore, but periodic maintenance of your household appliances can potentially save you from a list of repairs. Regular upkeep, such as replacing worn appliance parts, will improve the appliance’s efficiency while also keeping more money in your wallet. Take 10 minutes out of your schedule to try one of these 10 quick and easy maintenance tips.

Clean Dryer Exhaust:
Lint in your dryer exhaust is a fire hazard; clean the exhaust annually.
– Loosen the clamp and pull the exhaust off the back of the dryer.
– Remove clumps of lint from the tubing and the hole in the back of the dryer. Use a coat hanger to carefully remove any large clumps that you can’t reach with your hands.
– Vacuum all the small lint.
– Reattach exhaust.
Clean or Replace Dirty Vent Filters:
– Metal-mesh grease filters can be washed by hand in soapy water or you can put them in your dishwasher for a thorough cleaning.
– Don’t attempt to wash charcoal or paper filters; they need to be replaced.

Possible Reasons and Cures for Wrinkling in the Washer and Dryer

Reasons for wrinkling
– Improper sorting of the load (i.e. loading large, heavy items with lightweight, delicate materials).
– Too many items in washer for the load size.
– Use of incorrect wash and drying cycles.
– Incorrect water level during the wash cycles (not enough water for amount of clothes).
– Washing repeatedly in water that is too hot for fabric.
– Accumulations of lime scale due to use of carbonate detergents.
– Failure to use fabric softener.
– Leaving clothes in dryer after tumbling stops.
– Too many items in dryer.
– Too few items in dryer.
Steps to correct wrinkling
– Re-tumble on “Permanent Press” setting with small load.
– Re-rinse and dry on “Permanent Press” setting.
– If unsuccessful, re-tumble on high heat for 10 – 12 minutes and hang immediately.
– Iron carefully.
– If still wrinkled, you may need professional steaming.
Note: If you follow good laundry procedures and “permanent press” clothes still come out wrinkled, the finish may no longer be good quality. The permanent press “memory” has been worn away.
Steps to prevent wrinkling
– Remove clothes immediately when dryer stops tumbling and place on hangers.
– Dry only one washer load at a time. Do not combine loads.
– If drying only one article, add two similar articles, even if dry, to ensure proper tumbling.
– Avoid laundering heavy permanent press items, such as work clothes, with lighter permanent press items, such as shirts or blouses.
– Do not wash permanent press items with ordinary items such as towels, bed linens, etc.
– Items must have room to move freely. Permanent press loads should always be smaller than regular loads, and no more than medium loads.
– Use Permanent Press Wash and Dry Cycles. This cycle provides a cool down rinse to minimize wrinkling.
– Use Full water fill for medium load, Medium fill for small loads.
– If a non-phosphate detergent must be used, avoid the use of a high-carbonate detergent (high carbonate would be in the 7% range).
– Proper use of fabric softener will minimize wrinkling.
Tangled, Twisted, Knotted Clothes
Tangled, twisted or knotted clothes are usually a result of improper sorting of wash loads. To prevent clothing from knotting and twisting:
– Avoid mixing heavy items with light items.
– Avoid putting too many or too few items in the washer.
– Make sure you set the proper water level for the size load you are doing. The water level should just cover the clothes.
– Never wrap the clothes around the agitator.
– Be sure your wash water is not too hot for the fabric.
See Washer Water Level / Load Size and Hints for Sorting Clothes, or your Owner’s manual for load size suggestions.

To view a short video on getting the best wash performance from your washer: Play Video