Life Hack: How to deep clean your tumble dryer
It’s important to keep on top of cleaning your machine
If you spend much time on social media, particularly the side where people share cleaning tips, you’ll have heard all about deep cleaning a washing machine. However, there is an appliance that goes hand in hand with your washing machine that may also need some TLC. When was the last time you cleaned your tumble dryer?
It’s important to keep on top of cleaning your machine, not least for financial reasons. According to manufacturer Hotpoint, tumble dryers accumulate a lot of fluff when drying your clothes and a clogged filter means the machine will use more energy to dry your clothes, costing you more money in bills. A clean tumble dryer will also help to prevent odours and keep your appliance running efficiently.
The lint filter catches fluff, lint and other small items from your washing to prevent them from causing damage to your machine, and it should be cleaned after each use. To do this, ensure your dryer has cooled before opening the door and removing the filter from the front. It can generally be removed by pulling up. Open the filter – it is hinged – and wipe the dust and lint away by hand or with a soft cloth before closing it and replacing it in the machine. You can deep clean this every few months by washing the filter under the tap and using a low-suction vacuum cleaner to clean the lint filter housing.
An unclean drum can cause some unpleasant smells inside the machine and on your freshly dried clothes. Each month, dip a cloth into a solution of white vinegar and water, wiping it over the whole of the drum and the inside of the door. Leave the door open to allow the solution to dry. While it is drying, use the same mixture to wipe the front, sides and back of the machine to keep everything fresh.
The sensor helps to detect if clothes are wet and will automatically turn off the cycle when they’re dry. Keeping it clean will help save energy by avoiding extended drying times. It’s a good idea to clean it every few months – here are the steps to follow:
Wait until the dryer has cooled and find the sensor behind the lint filter in the front of the door opening. Use a soft cloth to wipe the metal surfaces of the sensor bars. Dampen the same cloth with white vinegar for a deeper clean, and ensure the sensor bars have been dried with a soft cloth before using the tumble dryer again.
If you have a condenser tumble dryer, cleaning the condenser monthly will keep your tumble dryer performing well and keep drying times to a minimum. Press the kick plate button to open the kick plate and slide out the evaporator filter. Unlock the condenser locks to pull the condenser out. Rinse this with a shower head or under a tap until the water runs clear and drains. Leave the condenser to air dry before placing it back in the tumble dryer, fastening the locks to secure it in place, and closing the kick plate cover.
For a heat pump tumble dryer, your evaporator filter should be checked and cleaned every few cycles to maintain drying performance. Press the kick plate button to open the kick plate and remove the evaporator filter drawer. Use a soft-bristle brush to gently clean the evaporator fins behind the filter by brushing them upwards and downwards. You can also use protective gloves to clean it by hand, but be careful as evaporator fins can be sharp. If the evaporator is dry, you can use a vacuum cleaner in the same up-and-down motions.
Open the evaporator filter and clean it with a vacuum cleaner or a damp sponge and, if needed, rinse through under running water. Once it is dry, return it to the machine and close the kick plate cover.
Every three months, disconnect your tumble dryer from the mains and remove the vent hose. You can clean this with a cloth and a mild cleaning product or use a feather duster.
