How to Take Care of Your Dryer

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How to Take Care of Your Dryer

How to Take Care of Your Dryer and Prevent Common Problems

A dryer is one of the most frequently used appliances in any home, yet it’s often overlooked when it comes to maintenance. Regular care not only helps your dryer last longer, but also reduces the risk of breakdowns, high energy bills, and even fire hazards.

Here’s what every homeowner should know about dryer maintenance and how to prevent common problems before they turn into costly repairs.

⸻

Clean the Lint Filter After Every Load

This is the most important and simplest step.

A clogged lint filter:
• reduces airflow
• makes drying take longer
• causes overheating
• increases fire risk

Always remove lint from the filter after every drying cycle. Even a thin layer of lint can significantly affect performance.

Tip: Once a month, wash the lint screen with warm water and mild soap to remove fabric softener residue that can block airflow.

⸻

Check and Clean the Dryer Vent Regularly

Lint doesn’t stop at the filter — it also builds up inside the vent hose and exhaust duct.

Signs of a clogged dryer vent:
• clothes take longer than usual to dry
• dryer feels very hot on the outside
• burning smell during operation
• excessive heat in the laundry room

We recommend:
• inspecting the vent hose every 3–6 months
• cleaning the full vent system at least once a year

A blocked vent is one of the most common causes of dryer failure and overheating.

⸻

Avoid Overloading the Dryer

Overloading puts extra strain on:
• the motor
• drum rollers
• belt
• heating components

Heavy loads prevent proper air circulation and cause uneven drying. This leads to longer cycles and premature wear on internal parts.

Rule of thumb: If clothes can’t tumble freely, the load is too big.

⸻

Listen for Unusual Noises

Dryers should run smoothly. Grinding, squealing, thumping, or rattling noises often indicate worn components such as:
• drum rollers
• idler pulley
• drive belt

Catching these sounds early can prevent more serious damage and expensive repairs later.

⸻

Watch for Drying Performance Changes

If your dryer:
• isn’t heating properly
• shuts off mid-cycle
• leaves clothes damp
• overheats

these are early warning signs of electrical, heating, or airflow problems. Ignoring them can lead to complete failure.

⸻

Schedule Professional Dryer Maintenance When Needed

Even with regular care, dryers can develop issues over time. A professional inspection can:
• identify worn parts
• check heating elements
• ensure proper airflow
• prevent unexpected breakdowns

Preventative maintenance is often far cheaper than emergency repairs.

⸻

When to Call a Professional

You should contact a technician if:
• the dryer won’t start
• there’s a burning smell
• the breaker keeps tripping
• clothes remain wet after full cycles
• the dryer overheats

These problems should not be ignored for safety reasons.

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Final Thoughts

Taking a few simple steps to maintain your dryer can:
• extend its lifespan
• improve energy efficiency
• reduce fire risk
• save money on repairs

If you suspect your dryer isn’t working properly, professional service can help restore safe and reliable operation

What do our Customers say about us?

We can talk about our identity and daily operations all day long, but the most valuable feedback comes from authentic customer reviews. Reviews speak the truth. Here is a glimpse into what some of our customers have shared about our services and why they choose us as their go-to contractor:

Adam&Sam brothers repair

4.8

Based on 80 reviews

review us on

Great service! Response time was great and Adam came out on a Saturday. Had the necessary parts with him to avoid another trip. He used phone translation to ensure we were properly informed as well Thanks!

They came to fix our A/C. They accurately diagnosed and repaired our air-conditioning in less than an hour. He even cleaned the inside of the A/C and made sure no mess was left behind. Very polite and professional.

He was able to come same day and gave us an hour window instead of 4 or 6 like other shops. He was clean, kind, professional, and very fast. He had all the parts and we are very satisfied.

I am so thankful for their friendly and professional service! They were able to schedule me quickly and diagnose my fridge issues immediately! There was a delay is service only because the manufacture had their email wrong, and our compressor took awhile to ship. As soon as the compressor arrived, Adam & Sam Brothers contacted me and scheduled repair the next day. It is such a relief to find a company that is professional through & through! They did exactly what they said they were going to do and even showed up on time to do the repair! Their contact info is permanently in my phone, just in case another HVAC decides to break down! Thank you!

Sam fixed our Heat Pump at a very reasonable cost and he happily answered questions along the way. He was definitely skilled, a good troubleshooter and trustworthy. Good job!

We are so appreciative of this company's service. I called in the morning and was satisfied knowing that someone would help us with our dryer,which was full of wet clothing and no longer heating.The window of time for expecting a technician was accurate.A technician arrived at our home after 7 (p.m.) and worked till after 9 (p.m.)He rapidly and expertly assessed the problem. He had all the needed parts with him.He worked non-stop replacing parts,he also cleaned years of built up lint in the vent hose and I am now pleased to know how to maintain that myself.The technician was pleasant,professional,efficient,and thorough,as one would expect.We did receive an email invoice with the total charge only,however, it would be helpful if they would offer an itemized invoice. In hindsight,we were probably overcharged for the completed work.We agreed to the the offered quote as it was late in the evening,he traveled far and we were pleased to have him do a great job.I highly recommend Adam & Sam brothers repair.

Work examples

Frequently Asked Questions

Which appliances & HVAC do you repair?

We repair most major kitchen and laundry appliances, including refrigerators, freezers, ranges, ovens, stoves, dishwashers, washers, and dryers. Heat Pump, A/C, Furnace

Do you offer same-day or next-day service?

When our schedule and parts availability allow, we do our best to provide same- or next-day service for calls

What brands can you work on?

We service many leading brands, including Whirlpool, GE, Samsung, LG, Frigidaire, Maytag, KitchenAid, and others. If you are unsure about your brand, you can mention it when you call.

What kind of warranty do you offer?

We provide a warranty ranging from 30 days up to 6 months, depending on the type of repair and the parts involved. Before starting any job, we clearly explain what warranty applies to your specific service.

Are you licensed for appliance repair?

Yes. Our company is fully licensed for appliance repair. Our license type is Appliance Repair, license number: ADAMSBR752QE

Refrigerator & Freezer Repair

A failing refrigerator or freezer can lead to spoiled food and unexpected expenses. Our technicians troubleshoot temperature problems, leaks, noise issues, and electrical failures on most major brands.

Not cooling or freezing properly
Water leaking inside or under the unit
Ice buildup or frost issues
Loud or unusual noises
Ice maker not working

Service City’s

What Hot Tubs services do you provide under your Washington State license?

Under our Washington State license, we provide hot tub repair and diagnostics only, including control board and electronic component repair.

We do not offer hot tub installation, removal, or replacement services.

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