How to Optimize a Dryer

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Steady as they seem, dryers have been known to bust. Worst-case scenario sees the heating unit burning out entirely. More common, however, is a dry cycle that doesn't fully dry. You have to run the dryer for another 20 minutes when it's finished in order to sufficiently dry your clothes. You can optimize your dryer and reduce waiting time by cleaning your lint filter. You're thinking, "But I already clean my lint filter." No, you don't. Not like this. And it only takes a few seconds.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Warm, soapy water
A toothbrush

Step1

Clear the lint out of lint filter. It should appear completely clean, with only the mesh screen there. But that's just it ... it will only "appear" that way.

Step2

Run water over the lint filter. Take your "clean" filter over to the sink and run water over it. You'd think it would spill right through, but you're likely wrong. Strangely enough, you'll notice the water pooling up on top of the screen. This is from the dryer sheets. The same stuff that makes your clothes smell good, feel soft and cling less creates a film over the mesh. So, while it appears clean, it's actually still clogged. And simply running water over it won't clean it out.

Step3

Scrub the lint filter with a toothbrush (or other fine brush) using hot, soapy water. The bristles from the brush should get in those tiny holes and clean out the dryer-sheet film.

Step4

Let the filter air dry.

Step5

Re-install in the dryer and notice the difference. In fact, doing this once every 6 months can almost double the lifespan of a dryer.