A well-maintained clothes dryer can serve your household reliably for 12-15 years or more. Without proper care, that same dryer might struggle to last half as long. The difference comes down to consistent, simple maintenance tasks that most homeowners can perform themselves without any special tools or expertise.
Regular maintenance isn't just about longevity—it directly impacts your dryer's efficiency, safety, and effectiveness. A dryer with clogged lint traps and restricted airflow works harder, uses more energy, and poses greater fire risks. This guide covers everything you need to know to keep your dryer in optimal condition throughout its life.
After Every Load: Lint Filter Care
The lint filter is your dryer's first line of defence against lint buildup, and cleaning it is the single most important maintenance task you can perform. This takes about 30 seconds and should become as automatic as transferring clothes from washer to dryer.
Basic Filter Cleaning
Remove the lint filter (usually located inside the door or on top of the dryer) and peel off the accumulated lint. Most of it should come off in one piece. If lint is stuck in the mesh, don't ignore it—this indicates the filter needs a deeper clean.
💡 The Water Test
Hold your lint filter under running water. If water pools on the surface rather than flowing through freely, fabric softener residue is clogging the mesh. This invisible buildup can reduce airflow by up to 75% and makes your dryer work much harder.
Deep Cleaning the Lint Filter
Once a month (or whenever the water test shows buildup), give your lint filter a thorough clean:
- Remove the filter from the dryer
- Vacuum both sides with a soft brush attachment
- Fill a sink with warm water and a small amount of dish soap
- Submerge the filter and gently scrub with a soft brush
- Rinse thoroughly under clean water
- Allow to dry completely before replacing (this is critical—never put a wet filter back in your dryer)
Weekly Tasks
Check the Exterior Vent (Vented Dryers)
Walk outside and locate where your dryer's exhaust vents. While the dryer is running, check that the flap opens fully and you can feel strong airflow. Weak airflow suggests a blockage somewhere in the duct system that needs attention.
Wipe Down the Drum
Use a damp cloth to wipe the inside of the drum. This removes any residue from fabric softener sheets, which can build up over time and transfer to your clothes. Pay attention to the drum's fins (the ridges that lift clothes during tumbling) where residue often accumulates.
Clean the Door Seal
The rubber gasket around the dryer door collects lint, dust, and moisture. Wipe it down weekly with a damp cloth to prevent buildup that can prevent proper sealing and allow lint to escape into the housing.
Monthly Maintenance
Vacuum the Lint Trap Housing
With the lint filter removed, shine a torch into the housing where it sits. You'll likely see accumulated lint that bypassed the filter. Use a vacuum with a crevice attachment or a specialised lint brush (available cheaply online) to remove this buildup.
Clean Behind and Underneath
If possible, pull your dryer away from the wall and vacuum behind and underneath it. Lint accumulates in these areas, and in extreme cases, can restrict airflow or contact heating elements through the dryer's base.
⚠️ Safety First
Always unplug your dryer before cleaning behind it or accessing any internal components. For gas dryers, be careful not to disturb the gas line when moving the appliance.
Heat Pump Dryer Filter Maintenance
Heat pump dryers have an additional filter—the heat exchanger filter (sometimes called the condenser filter)—that requires monthly cleaning. This is usually located behind a removable panel at the front base of the dryer.
- Open the access panel and remove the filter assembly
- Rinse under running water until water runs clear
- Allow to dry completely before replacing
- Check the evaporator coils (visible with the filter removed) for lint buildup and gently vacuum if necessary
Empty and Clean the Water Tank (Condenser/Heat Pump)
While you should empty the water collection tank after each cycle, monthly you should remove it completely and wash it with warm soapy water. Residue can build up in the tank over time, leading to odours or mould growth.
Quarterly Checks
Inspect the Power Cord
Check the power cord for any signs of damage, fraying, or heat damage near the plug or where it enters the dryer. A damaged power cord is a fire hazard and should be replaced immediately by a qualified electrician.
Level Check
Over time, dryers can shift out of level, especially on tiled floors. An unlevel dryer vibrates excessively, wears out bearings faster, and operates noisily. Use a spirit level on top of the drum and adjust the feet as needed to restore balance.
Inspect Door Seal Integrity
Close the dryer door on a sheet of paper. If you can pull the paper out easily, the seal may be worn and not sealing properly. A poor seal allows heat to escape and lint to enter areas it shouldn't, reducing efficiency and potentially creating hazards.
Annual Maintenance
Professional Exhaust Duct Cleaning (Vented Dryers)
Even with regular external vent checks, lint accumulates inside the exhaust duct over time. Annual professional cleaning is recommended, though you can also do this yourself with a dryer vent cleaning kit—a long flexible brush that connects to a drill.
Signs your duct needs cleaning before the annual schedule:
- Clothes take notably longer to dry than usual
- The dryer feels excessively hot to touch
- The laundry area feels humid during cycles
- You notice a burning smell
Interior Inspection
Once a year, consider having a technician inspect your dryer's internal components, including the motor, heating element (or heat pump system), and wiring. This is especially worthwhile for dryers over five years old, as catching problems early prevents costly breakdowns.
🔧 When to Call a Professional
While most maintenance is DIY-friendly, call a qualified technician if you notice:
- Unusual noises (grinding, squealing, or knocking)
- Visible sparks or electrical issues
- Burning smells that persist after cleaning
- The dryer not heating at all
- Error codes on digital displays
Maintenance by Dryer Type
Vented Dryers
The exhaust system is your primary maintenance focus. Beyond the lint filter, annual duct cleaning is essential. Also check that the external vent flap moves freely and hasn't become stuck or damaged by weathering.
Condenser Dryers
The condenser unit itself needs periodic attention. Many models have a self-cleaning condenser, but if yours doesn't, the condenser coils should be cleaned monthly. Consult your manual for access instructions.
Heat Pump Dryers
These require the most maintenance due to their heat pump system. The heat exchanger filter is critical—neglecting it dramatically reduces efficiency and can lead to compressor failure. Some models alert you when cleaning is needed; others require you to remember.
Maintenance Schedule Summary
✓ Your Complete Maintenance Schedule
| Frequency | Task |
|---|---|
| Every load | Clean lint filter |
| Weekly | Check exterior vent, wipe drum and door seal |
| Monthly | Deep clean lint filter, vacuum lint trap housing, clean heat exchanger filter (heat pump) |
| Quarterly | Inspect power cord, check level, examine door seal |
| Annually | Professional duct cleaning (vented), internal inspection |
The Payoff of Proper Maintenance
Committing to this maintenance schedule delivers multiple benefits:
- Lower energy bills: A well-maintained dryer operates efficiently, using less electricity per load
- Faster drying: Unobstructed airflow means clothes dry quicker
- Longer lifespan: Reducing strain on components means fewer breakdowns and more years of service
- Better safety: Regular lint removal dramatically reduces fire risk
- Improved clothing care: A properly functioning dryer is gentler on fabrics
Think of dryer maintenance like servicing your car—a small investment of time and attention prevents much larger problems down the track. The tasks outlined in this guide require minimal effort but deliver significant returns in performance, safety, and longevity.