Maintaining and cleaning a tumble dryer does not have to take up much time: a few minutes after each drying cycle cover most of the maintenance jobs. Do that consistently and you avoid higher energy costs, unpleasant smells and needless breakdowns, and you extend the life of the appliance considerably. This article explains exactly what to do and when.
Why regular tumble dryer maintenance pays off
When people think about appliance maintenance, the washing machine usually springs to mind first, but the tumble dryer deserves regular attention too. A neglected appliance uses more electricity, dries less well and gives up sooner. That costs money, both on your energy bill and in repair bills.
A dirty filter or water tank raises energy use and lengthens drying time
A blocked lint filter restricts the flow of air through the tumble dryer. The appliance has to run for longer to achieve the same result, which shows up directly on your energy bill. The same goes for a full water tank: the appliance can no longer drain the moisture away properly and sometimes shuts itself down early.
Neglect leads to breakdowns and a shorter lifespan
Fluff that builds up inside the machine can damage the motor and the heating element. In time that causes faults which simple maintenance can no longer put right. A tumble dryer that is looked after properly will easily last ten years or more.
Good maintenance protects your warranty and prevents needless repair costs
Faults caused by a demonstrable lack of maintenance, such as an overheated motor due to a permanently blocked filter, fall outside the warranty terms in many cases. Regular cleaning keeps your warranty intact and stops you paying for repairs you never needed.
Maintenance takes 5 minutes but saves tens of euros
Emptying the lint filter takes less than a minute. Emptying the water tank barely two. That small investment can quickly deliver a saving of fifteen to twenty per cent on your tumble dryer's energy use. Over a year that soon adds up to tens of euros.
Cleaning the lint filter: the most important step in tumble dryer maintenance and cleaning
The lint filter is the most critical spot in your tumble dryer and needs the most attention. Fortunately, cleaning it is straightforward.
What does the lint filter do, and where is it?
The filter catches the fluff that comes off your clothes as they dry. Without a filter, that fluff would build up inside the machine. On most tumble dryers the filter sits behind the door (on the inside of the drum rim) or on top of the appliance. Check the manual for your model if you cannot find it straight away.
How often should you clean it?
Empty the lint filter after every drying cycle, or at the very least after every second cycle. This is the question that comes up most often around how often to clean a tumble dryer: for the filter the rule is simple, as often as you dry.
Step by step
- Take the filter out of the appliance (press the clip mechanism or slide it out).
- Remove the layer of fluff with your fingers or a soft brush.
- Rinse the filter under lukewarm water if needed to shift any caked-on dirt.
- Let the filter dry completely before you put it back, as a wet filter restricts the airflow.
A blocked filter leads to longer drying times, higher temperatures inside the appliance and, in serious cases, even a burning smell. Never ignore those signs.
Emptying and cleaning the water tank
This part applies only to condenser tumble dryers and heat pump tumble dryers, in other words tumble dryers without a vent hose to the outside. The moisture drawn out of the washing is collected in a water tank (also known as the water reservoir or condensate tray).
How often?
Empty the water tank after every drying cycle, or as soon as the indicator light on the display shows that the tank is full. An overfull tank can leak, or can make the tumble dryer stop halfway through a cycle.
Step by step
- Slide the drawer carefully out of the appliance (usually at the bottom of the front).
- Pour the water away down the sink.
- Rinse the tank out with clean water.
- Clean the tank once a month with a solution of water and a dash of white vinegar to prevent limescale and bacteria building up.
Never put the water tank in the dishwasher. The heat and the harsh dishwasher detergent can damage the plastic.
Cleaning the heat exchanger (heat pump tumble dryer)
Do you have an energy efficient heat pump tumble dryer? Then the heat exchanger is an extra part that needs attention from time to time.
What does the heat exchanger do?
The heat exchanger makes sure heat is reused during the drying process. That makes heat pump tumble dryers considerably more economical than conventional condenser tumble dryers, but it also means the exchanger can collect fluff and dust that interfere with how it works.
How often should you clean it?
Clean the heat exchanger every one to three months, depending on how heavily you use the tumble dryer. With daily use: once a month. With weekly use: once a quarter.
Step by step
- Open the flap at the bottom of the front of the appliance.
- Slide the heat exchanger carefully out.
- Rinse it under lukewarm running water until the water runs clear.
- Let the exchanger dry completely before you put it back.
- Close the flap and check that it is properly locked.
Never use a stiff brush to scrub the fins clean. They are fragile, and any damage means poorer heat transfer and higher energy costs.
Cleaning the drum, the door and the door seal
Besides the technical parts, the inside of the tumble dryer needs regular attention too.
Drum
Wipe the drum clean once a month with a damp cloth and a mild all-purpose cleaner. Remove marks (from tissues that went through the wash by accident, for example) with a cloth soaked in a bicarbonate of soda solution or citric acid. Never spray cleaning product straight into the drum, as it can leave residue on your clothes.
Door seal
The rubber seal around the door is a favourite spot for fluff, trapped moisture and mould. Check this door seal every time you use the machine and wipe it clean once a month with a damp cloth. Mould is often the reason a tumble dryer smells, more on that in the next section.
Ventilation after use
Leave the door slightly ajar after every drying cycle. That way any moisture left in the drum can evaporate and you prevent mould from growing. It costs nothing and makes a big difference in the long run.
Outside
Wipe the outside of the tumble dryer with a damp cloth. Do not use harsh cleaning products or scouring pads, as they damage the surface.
Common problems and how maintenance prevents them
Tumble dryer dries poorly
The most likely cause of a tumble dryer that dries poorly is a blocked lint filter or a full water tank. Always check both first, before you call out an engineer. Nine times out of ten that is the answer.
Tumble dryer smells
If your tumble dryer gives off a musty or sour smell, that almost always points to mould in the drum or the door seal. The cause: not enough ventilation after use. Clean the drum and the seal thoroughly with a solution of water and vinegar, and from now on always leave the door slightly ajar after use.
Tumble dryer is noisy
Unusual noises are often caused by fluff that has worked its way into the machine, or by a stray object (a coin, a button) left behind in the drum. Check the drum and the filter. Empty pockets as well before clothes go into the machine.
Error codes on the display
Many of the error codes on tumble dryer displays relate directly to maintenance: a filter warning or a message about the water tank. Check the manual for your model for the specific meaning and solve the problem with the standard maintenance steps in this article.
When you do need an engineer
Electrical faults, a failed heating element or mechanical wear on the motor or the belts are beyond what you can put right yourself. In those cases, call in an approved service engineer.
Maintenance schedule: how to keep on top of it
Below is an overview of all the maintenance jobs in one place, so that you do not forget anything.
After every drying cycle
- Empty the lint filter.
- Check the water tank and empty it if needed.
- Leave the door slightly ajar.
Every month
- Clean the drum with a damp cloth and a mild cleaning product.
- Check and clean the door seal.
- Rinse the water tank out thoroughly with vinegar and water.
Every one to three months
- Clean the heat exchanger (heat pump tumble dryers only).
Every year
- Check that the appliance is standing level, as a tumble dryer that leans can be noisier and wear out faster.
- Clear the dust from the vents at the back or underneath with a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner.
Tip: Set a monthly reminder on your phone for the deeper clean. That way you never forget it and your tumble dryer stays in top condition.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean the lint filter in my tumble dryer?
Empty the lint filter after every drying cycle, or at the very least after every second cycle. This is the most effective way to keep the airflow at its best and to avoid wasting energy.
How often should I empty the water tank?
Empty the water tank after every drying cycle. Some models sound an alert or show a light when the tank is full, but do not wait for it, a full tank can cut the drying cycle short.
My tumble dryer smells, what can I do?
A bad smell can almost always be traced back to mould growing in the drum or the door seal. Clean both parts with a cloth soaked in diluted vinegar or a citric acid solution. Always leave the door slightly ajar after use to stop it happening again.
How do I clean the heat exchanger of a heat pump tumble dryer?
Open the flap at the bottom of the front of the appliance, slide the heat exchanger out and rinse it under lukewarm water. Let it dry completely before you put it back. Repeat this every one to three months. Do not use a stiff brush.
Can I clean the water tank in the dishwasher?
No. The high temperatures and harsh dishwasher products can warp or damage the water tank. Rinse it under the tap instead, with a dash of vinegar for limescale if needed.
Does good maintenance affect the warranty on my tumble dryer?
Yes. Faults caused by a demonstrable lack of maintenance, such as overheating due to a permanently blocked filter, can be excluded from warranty cover. Good maintenance keeps your warranty intact. At Pro Witgoed you get a full 5 year warranty on every appliance as standard.
What is the difference in maintenance between a condenser tumble dryer and a heat pump tumble dryer?
Both types need the same basic care: cleaning the lint filter, emptying the water tank and cleaning the drum. On top of that, the heat pump tumble dryer has a heat exchanger that needs cleaning every one to three months. That is the only extra step. Would you like to know which type suits you best? Then take a look at our range of tumble dryers or filter straight to energy efficient tumble dryers.
How do I stop my tumble dryer drying poorly?
Check the lint filter and the water tank after every cycle, as in most cases they are the reason for poor drying performance. With a heat pump tumble dryer, clean the heat exchanger regularly as well. Do not fill the drum too full: an overloaded tumble dryer always dries less well, whatever condition the appliance is in.
Conclusion
Maintaining and cleaning a tumble dryer takes little time but delivers a great deal: lower energy use, fewer breakdowns and a longer lifespan. Follow the schedule above and your tumble dryer will stay in good shape for years, without any major expense. Are you looking for a reliable tumble dryer that needs little maintenance and lasts a long time? Then take a look at our washer dryers as well, or go straight to everything about washing and drying for more practical information.