The clothes dryer is a magnificent modern convenience, but a broken dryer can be a major pain. If you aren’t using your machine the right way, you may find yourself shopping for a new one all too soon. Here are a few quick and dirty (or clean) tips to keep your dryer working at its best, and a few situations to avoid at all costs.

Dryer Sheets

Dryer sheets aren’t technically bad for your machine, but they can cause buildup in your lint trap that will restrict proper air flow. Over time, the chemical residue can also coat the electronic moisture sensor, which impairs your appliance’s ability to send accurate messages about the presence of moisture. This may lead to longer-than-necessary drying times, which can lead to a broken dryer. Pay attention to drying times to determine if your machine may be having issues.

Lint Buildup

Letting lint build up in the lint trap or vent is a sure way to end up with a malfunctioning dryer or worse — a house fire. When the lint screen becomes clogged, it prevents hot air from reaching the drum. In the worst-case scenario, this can lead to a fire, causing damage to your home and potentially serious injury. Keep the lint screen clean and remove lint after every load. This will help to keep you safe and promote energy efficiency in your machine as well.

Flammable Fabrics

Never put clothes, towels, rags or any other fabrics that have come into contact with flammable substances in your dryer. These fabrics will emit vapors that can easily ignite in the intense heat. This cannot only lead to a broken dryer, but possibly a house fire as well. Some specific chemicals to watch out for include alcohol, gas, motor oil, cooking oil, paint thinners and spot removers.

Cats

This seems like a no-brainer, but you might be surprised at what can end up in your dryer if you leave the door open. Cats like the warm and snuggly heat the dryer provides, but accidentally running a cat through the permanent press cycle is bad for them and your appliance. If the goal is to avoid a broken dryer and a broken pet, make sure to check for any castaways before you close the door. Fluffy doesn’t need to be any fluffier.

Overload

Your dryer is made to handle specific load sizes, so make sure to read the manual to find out what yours is. Overloading not only causes drying to be delayed, it may also cause the dryer to break down. Over-stuffing can damage the drum, bearings and other components that are important to your dryer’s function. Plus, overloading won’t properly dry your clothes, which is this machine’s purpose, after all!

If this advice is too little, too late, contact Complete Appliance Repair, serving Salt Lake City and the surrounding communities. Their experienced technicians will ensure that your repairs are completed quickly and professionally and your satisfaction is always guaranteed. Contact Complete Appliance Repair today for all your clothes dryer repair needs.