Dryers and washers are very important appliances in a household. Without them, people would probably have hands that are hurt and calloused from hand washing and drying clothes out in the sun. Owning one comes with a responsibility to keep it clean and in good working condition. If not, it could get damaged or worse, cause household fires. No one wants that. If you need information on how to properly clean a clothes dryer and washer on your own, check out this guide.
Cleaning a Clothes Dryer
- Clean the lint trap or filter after every load. If possible, take it out and run faucet water on it to make sure it is totally clean. Take out hard-to-remove lint with a brush.
- Check the hose for any lint buildup and straighten it if it has kinked or folded. If you have a plastic hose, replace it with a metal one to keep lint from building up inside folds and kinked areas.
- Clean any lint buildup in the dryer vent and check to make sure that hot air is not building up inside. If you need help with this, consult with a professional dryer vent cleaning specialist.
- Go outside and take a look at the exhaust. Make sure that there is nothing blocking the flap vent. Remove any lint or debris.
- Using a damp rage, clean the exterior of the clothes dryer from top to bottom on a regular basis. Wipe every nook and cranny to keep dust from accumulating and sticking to clothes that you put in or take out.
Cleaning the Washing Machine
- Pour a cup of white vinegar into the washer and run a warm cycle. The vinegar will help break up any buildup of mineral deposits or dirt in the drain or anywhere within it. It will also remove and neutralize any odor that is lingering inside, be it that of an overpowering fabric softener or a smelly sock. This is also recommended to remove the moldy smell in front load washers.
- Using a rag and a mixture of equal parts of water and vinegar, wipe away the grime that has accumulated outside the washer.
- Use a vacuum to suck out any dust or lint that is under the washing machine.
- Check the washing machine and make sure that is properly leveled. One sign that it isn’t is when it rocks or regularly hits the wall when in use.
Cleaning a dryer and washer not only keeps your appliance in good shape but it also saves you from unnecessary repair costs and deadly fires. Print this out and hand it on the wall in your laundry room to serve as a reminder of when and how to clean your clothes dryer and washer properly.
