November 2007
Get the most from your dryer
Sort loads. Avoid mixing heavy items like towels with quick-drying items like cotton shirts.
Don't overdry. Leaving laundry in the dryer too long and using too-high heat can damage fabric. With an auto-dry cycle, set it to the midpoint, not "more dry." Stop short of getting garments bone dry. Laundry coming out of the dryer shouldn't feel hot and may even feel a bit damp because it's coming from a humid enclosure. It should feel dry within minutes and can be hung or folded.
Clean the lint filter. Get better performance and minimize fire hazards by cleaning the filter before every load. Occasionally remove the filter and rinse it under running water. If it holds water, clean it with a soft brush.
Clean moisture sensors. Many dryers with automatic cycles use moisture sensors that make contact with clothing. If a sensor's contacts become dirty or coated with residue from fabric softener sheets, it won't work properly. Clean the sensors occasionally with a cotton ball and rubbing alcohol. Sensors are usually located inside the front edge of the drum. Look in the dryer's instruction manual for specific maintenance recommendations.
Sort loads. Avoid mixing heavy items like towels with quick-drying items like cotton shirts.
Don't overdry. Leaving laundry in the dryer too long and using too-high heat can damage fabric. With an auto-dry cycle, set it to the midpoint, not "more dry." Stop short of getting garments bone dry. Laundry coming out of the dryer shouldn't feel hot and may even feel a bit damp because it's coming from a humid enclosure. It should feel dry within minutes and can be hung or folded.
Clean the lint filter. Get better performance and minimize fire hazards by cleaning the filter before every load. Occasionally remove the filter and rinse it under running water. If it holds water, clean it with a soft brush.
Clean moisture sensors. Many dryers with automatic cycles use moisture sensors that make contact with clothing. If a sensor's contacts become dirty or coated with residue from fabric softener sheets, it won't work properly. Clean the sensors occasionally with a cotton ball and rubbing alcohol. Sensors are usually located inside the front edge of the drum. Look in the dryer's instruction manual for specific maintenance recommendations.
