How to Sanitize a Dryer

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Sanitation is a way of preventing the spread of disease by controlling physical factors of the environment. A dryer should be sanitized if it has been submersed in water, such as floodwater, or if it was purchased used or is extremely old. Sanitizing a dryer will kill any lingering bacteria, germs or mold.

Step 1

Unplug the dryer before doing anything else to avoid any potential danger or injuries.

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Step 2

Spray the outer surface of the dryer with an all-purpose cleaner, then wipe down the entire surface to remove any dirt or debris.

Step 3

Fill a bucket with approximately 1 gallon cold water, and add 1/2 cup chlorine bleach. Fill another bucket with clean warm water. Immerse a clean cloth in the bleach solution, and wipe down the inside of the dryer, the dryer door, the lint trap and the entire outer surface of the dryer.

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Step 4

Immerse a clean cloth in the plain water, and rinse the inside of the dryer, the door, the lint trap and the outside of the dryer. Leave the door of the dryer open overnight to dry out.

Step 5

Plug the dryer in, and begin using as normal.

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