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How to Clean the Inside of a Dryer Drum
Cleaning the drum of your dryer is a necessary practice that prevents stains on clothes. Items left in pockets such as pens or crayons can leave deposits in your dryer drum that can transfer to garments. Keep your dryer in good shape by cleaning the drum regularly. This guide provides detailed steps on how to clean the inside of your dryer drum effectively.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Cleaning the inside of your dryer’s drum prevents stains on clothing, helps prevent fire hazards, improves dryer efficiency and extends your dryer’s lifespan.
- Follow the steps below to regularly clean the dryer drum and keep your dryer in top shape.
- Find expert tips for removing tough stains and deposits like ink and chewing gum from the dryer drum.
Why is Cleaning Your Dryer Drum Important?
Often overlooked, cleaning your dryer drum is a crucial maintenance task that brings numerous benefits:
- Preventing fire hazards: Lint can build up inside the drum and exhaust vent of your dryer, raising the risk of fire. Regular cleaning removes this lint, reducing the chances of a fire hazard.
- Boosting dryer efficiency: A clean dryer drum encourages free air circulation, enhancing your dryer's performance. This results in quicker drying times and lower energy expenditure.
- Extending your dryer's lifespan: Maintaining a clean dryer drum prevents unnecessary wear and tear, allowing your dryer to run smoothly and prolonging its lifespan.
Supplies You Need to Clean a Dryer Drum
To effectively clean a dryer drum, you'll need these supplies:
- Lint-free cloth or sponge. A lint-free cloth or sponge is essential to wipe down the drum's interior, removing accumulated lint, dust, or debris. Choose a cloth or sponge that doesn't leave behind lint or fibers.
- Mild detergent or vinegar solution. A mild detergent or vinegar solution to tackle stubborn stains or residue. Dilute the detergent or vinegar with water to create a gentle cleaning solution. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the drum.
- A soft-bristle brush or vacuum attachment. The soft-bristle brush or vacuum attachment is helpful for reaching tight corners and crevices. Brush or vacuum away any remaining lint or debris carefully to avoid scratching or damaging the drum surface.
Having these supplies on hand will enable you to clean a dryer drum thoroughly and safely. Always refer to your dryer's manufacturer instructions for specific cleaning recommendations or restrictions.
How to Clean the Inside of a Dryer Drum: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this guide to clean the inside of your dryer drum effectively:
1. Disconnect Power and Clean the Lint Screen
Ensure the dryer is unplugged before starting any cleaning process. Then, remove the lint screen and clean it thoroughly as shown in this video:
2. Wipe the Drum Interior
Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe the drum interior, removing any accumulated lint, dust, and residue. Focus on the drum's edges and the area around the lint trap.
3. Clean the Drum Fins or Baffles
If your dryer has fins or baffles inside the drum, gently wipe them using a damp cloth or sponge, removing any lint or debris.
4. Vacuum or Brush the Vent Area
Clean the vent area of the dryer drum. Clean the lint screen housing when the housing is just inside the door or on the back of the drum. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to thoroughly clean the housing. This will prevent lint clogs and improve airflow.
5. Reassemble and Test the Dryer
After cleaning, reinstall the lint screen, plug the dryer back in, and run a test to ensure the dryer is working properly.
Follow these steps every few months or whenever you notice excessive lint buildup or reduced drying efficiency.
Removing Stubborn Residue and Stains from the Dryer Drum
Stains and residue can accumulate on your dryer drum, affecting its appearance and possibly staining your clothes. Here are some stubborn dryer drum deposits and how to remove them:
Ink Stains
When a pen has left ink stains on your dryer drum, dampen a clean cloth with rubbing alcohol and gently rub the stains. For stubborn stains, apply a small amount of laundry detergent to the cloth and continue rubbing.
Dye Stains
If a non-colorfast item has left dye stains on your dryer drum, mix equal parts water and bleach. Dampen a cloth with the solution and wipe away the stains. Rinse the drum thoroughly afterward to remove any bleach traces.
Wax or Gum Residue
When wax or gum residue is on your dryer drum, place ice cubes in a plastic bag and apply it to the residue until it hardens. Gently scrape it off using a plastic scraper or credit card, and wipe away any remaining residue with a cloth dampened with warm, soapy water.
Professional Dryer Maintenance and Cleaning Services from Sears Home Services
Cleaning the inside of the dryer drum is an essential maintenance step. To keep your entire dryer in top shape and operating safely, schedule annual professional maintenance and cleaning by Sears Home Services.
Our professional cleaning services offer several benefits. Our experienced technicians have the expertise to clean a dryer drum thoroughly, including hard-to-reach areas. We’ll clean lint from the inside of the cabinet around the burner or heating element. This ensures complete removal of lint, debris, and other buildup, reducing potential fire hazards and enhancing your dryer's performance.
Regular professional cleaning can also extend your dryer's lifespan. It improves efficiency and reduces wear and tear, saving you money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs or replacements.
When choosing a dryer cleaning service, trust Sears Home Services. Our experienced technicians are highly trained and equipped with the necessary tools and techniques to provide exceptional results. We prioritize safety and quality, meeting the highest standards and ensuring your peace of mind. Whether you need one-time cleaning or regular maintenance, we're here to help keep your dryer in excellent condition.
Schedule your dryer maintenance now!
Keep your dryer working efficiently and lasting longer with regular professional maintenance.
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Maintain Dryer Resources
Learn how to remove stains on clothes from the dryer with our expert tips.
Learn how to install a dryer vent duct easily with Sears Home Services.
Learn how to use different dryer cycles to protect your garments and save energy.
Learn how to prevent dryer fires and keep your home safe with our expert tips!
Glossary Terms
Natural gas is a fossil fuel used primarily for heating, cooking, and electricity generation. It's a hydrocarbon gas mixture consisting mainly of methane, but it also contains smaller amounts of other hydrocarbons and sometimes sulfur compounds.
A gas dryer is a laundry appliance that uses natural gas or propane to generate heat to dry clothes.
Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.
A garbage disposal is a device installed under a kitchen sink that shreds food waste into small enough pieces to pass through plumbing, facilitating an easier and more hygienic kitchen waste management process.
Common Repair Dryer Symptoms
The most common reasons your Admiral dryer has no heat are an open heating element, failed thermal cut-off fuse or a faulty thermal fuse.
The most common reasons your Admiral dryer has no power are a defective electronic control board, defective power supply board or an open heating element.
The most common reasons your Admiral dryer is not drying are a clogged vent tube, open heating element or a bad wire connector.
The most common reasons your Admiral dryer is not spinning are a broken drum belt, open heating element or a worn drum bearing.
The most common reasons your Admiral dryer is not starting are a faulty thermal fuse, failed door switch or a broken drum belt.
The most common reasons your Admiral dryer is not turning on are a defective electronic control board, defective power supply board or an open heating element.