How to Clean a Dryer Inside and Out

The prep work for cleaning your dryer is simple: Turn off the dryer! If you have an electric dryer, you’ll unplug the cord, while a gas dryer also requires you to shut off the gas supply.

After you’ve turned off the power, it’s time to clean. Get started by cleaning the exterior part of the dryer. You can simply apply soapy water with a (lint-free) cloth, or use an all-purpose cleaning solution.

A vent clamp is what keeps the dryer vent secured around the dryer. You’ll want to remove this before cleaning your dryer. Pull out the dryer so you can access the vent duct, which looks like a silver coil, and is located on the back of the dryer.

To unscrew and remove the vent clamp, you can use a screwdriver, or, with some clamps, you can simply squeeze it.

When cleaning your dryer, it's important not to forget about cleaning the dryer vent.This step is crucial for maintaining both the efficiency of your dryer and the safety of your home. Begin by disconnecting the power source and moving the dryer away from the wall. Locate the vent opening, at the back of the machine, and detach the vent hose. You can use either a vent brush or a vacuum with an attachment to remove any lint or debris that has accumulated in both the hose and vent opening. 

Next, head outside and locate your dryer’s exterior vent. Carefully remove its cover and clear out any debris that may have built up over time. Cleaning your dryer vent will ensure unobstructed airflow, reducing potential fire hazards and extending your appliance's lifespan. 

However, if you find this task challenging, or encounter any difficulties along the way, it's always wise to seek the help of a professional dryer technician. Though the cost to clean a dryer vent averages around $150, this guarantees a safe and effective vent cleaning process.

Your lint trap prevents debris and other unwanted particles from getting into the dryer. In doing so, an accumulation of lint and debris can build up and cause fire hazards. This is why it’s important to include cleaning the lint trap in your dryer cleaning routine. "The lint trap is the only piece of the dryer that needs to be cleaned after each use,” said Asya Biddle, Angi Expert Review Board member and manager of The Dustbusters, a family-owned and operated janitorial company in Williamsport, PA. “Not only does it help with the efficiency of drying, but it also prevents the buildup of flammable material." Using your lint brush, scoop and remove as much lint as possible from the trap. To be extra vigilant, use a vacuum with an attachment to remove any and all lint.

The dryer drum (where you put your wet laundry) is the largest dryer component, and hair, pet fur, and threads can become stuck inside it. "By cleaning the dryer drum, you’re removing any object or substance that may come in contact with your wet clothing and cause damage, including gum, pens, or food debris," Biddle said.

Look inside the drum and remove anything stuck inside. If you can’t do this by hand, you can try using a spatula or credit card to scrape them out. Use your vacuum to get any hard-to-reach spots.

Next, scrub any messes clean in the dryer drum. If there are any sticky spots or stains, use olive oil to scrape them off. Once you’ve removed all of the sticky spots and various messes, use soapy water to wipe the entire drum clean.

Once you have cleaned all the parts of your dryer, it's important to complete the cleaning process by running an empty cycle. This step is crucial to get rid of any traces of dust, lint, or cleaning agents that might still be lingering inside the machine.

First make sure that the lint filter is clean and properly in place because a clogged filter can affect how well the cycle works. When you're ready, choose a heat "Air Fluff" cycle to avoid any damage and ensure a safe and smooth operation. Allow the cycle to run for 10-15 minutes so that the dryer can blow out any remaining debris.

You can also take this opportunity to wipe down the inside of the drum with a cloth and remove any residue. Running a dryer cycle not only guarantees that your dryer is clean and ready for regular use, but also improves air circulation and enhances drying efficiency in future loads.