Cleaning the tumble drier – how it works: Tumble dryers have long been regarded as power guzzlers. However, new energy-efficient appliances ensure that this is no longer true today. However, the proper handling of such an electric drying device is essential. This includes regular cleaning of your dryer.
It significantly contributes to the fact that power consumption continues to be limited and also increases the durability of the device.
Which measures you have to take in detail depends on the design and operation of your dryer. All have in common that the lint filter must be cleaned regularly. If possible, check it after each drying cycle. The sieve is usually located near the dryer door. Some models also collect lint in the opening area of the door. For cleaning, you can use a soft brush or just your hands.
Tip: Fluffs can be easily removed by briefly moistening your hands and rubbing them over the fine mesh structure. Also, clean the areas of the door opening and the existing rubber seals. This prevents loose fluff from getting into the freshly laundered laundry during the next drying process and settling there.
Cleaning the tumble dryer: Follow the instructions of the manufacturer.
Most clothes dryers have so-called crease protection. However, this can only be effective if you remove the laundry from the drum immediately after completing the drying program. This also tells you whether one or more parts may still contain residual moisture if such items remain with the dried laundry for a long time in the dryer, unpleasant odors, which are also transferred to the laundry.
Observe manufacturer instructions
In any case, you should pay attention to the instructions of the manufacturer, in which cleaning measures are required. It is recommended, for example, to clean the exhaust hose at least once every quarter. Check if deposits have formed inside.
The condensate tank must be emptied regularly after each drying process in a condenser dryer because its capacity is limited. If the container is full, the laundry can no longer be dried.
Tip: catch the condensation and use it for your steam iron. It is significantly softer than tap water and thus prevents quick calcification.
A special feature of condenser dryers is the heat exchanger. Before replacing the heat exchanger, it should be completely dry. Where the heat exchanger is located on your device, refer to the manufacturer’s operating instructions. Both the exhaust and condenser dryers work with humidity sensors.
These sensors must be regularly checked for limescale. If deposits from here, the dryer may switch off too soon, and the laundry stays damp. Whether there are special descaling agents for your dryer model can also be found in the operating instructions. The sensors can be cleaned with a vinegar-water solution. Before the dryer is put back into operation, the sensors must be completely dry.
Note: A tumble dryer is easier to clean when the device is warm. Set your cleaning intervals so that you can start immediately after a completed drying process.
Another unique feature is a condensate dryer with a heat pump and a self-cleaning function. With these devices, it is not easy to remove the condenser. Here it is necessary to remove the sidewall of the dryer. But there is also the possibility that your dryer has a maintenance hatch. It is then usually – viewed from the rear – bottom right. Behind it lies the condenser, which you should clean regularly.
Caution: Disconnect the dryer from the circuit before removing the side panel or opening the service door.
To remove the sidewall, usually, a TORX screwdriver is needed. Standard household screwdrivers typically do not help here. First, however, the lid of the dryer must be removed, which is usually fixed with two screws on the back wall. For details of such maintenance, refer to the manufacturer’s technical manual.
Attention: Independent manipulation inside the tumble dryer can lead to a loss of warranty. If you don’t know that you will be able to do this work on your own, use the maintenance service provided by the manufacturer or a qualified specialist.
The unique feature of the condenser dryer with a heat pump is the so-called lint, which is located below the condenser pump. If too much dust accumulates here, the shoe is no longer able to pump the water into the catch tank. You can remove the fluff by pouring about one liter of water over the pump. Before restarting the dryer after deep cleaning, make sure that the unit has been correctly reassembled.
Tip: For fresh scent from the tumble dryer, provide special non-woven cloths, which are added to wet laundry and are available in different fragrances. Regularly wipe the drum with a little bit of lemon water and make sure that the device remains as dust-free as possible from the outside. So you will enjoy your tumble dryer for a long time and above all soft and well-kept laundry.
If you do not notice this and need your dry laundry for a necessary business appointment, then, of course, that would be not very pleasant. This conscientious laundry dryer cleaning should, therefore, be the best way to make a habit, to extend the life of his dryer, whether exhaust air dryer or washer-dryer, significantly.
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