September 16, 2021 by Mulberry Maids
Many people aren’t aware of how much difference there can be between different cleaning companies in Fort Collins, from the ease of scheduling and paying for a cleaning, to the customer service you will receive. Having your home professionally cleaned will not only make your home that much more peaceful and enjoyable, but it will save you tons of time doing a chore you may not actually like doing!
As we talk about a bunch in our cleaning blog, consistency and simplicity is key to keeping everything in your home neat and organized. This applies not only to the main living spaces in your home, but also to appliances like your washing machine and dishwasher.
Today we will be discussing simple and easy tricks to keep your dryer clean!
Why is it important to keep the dryer clean?
Believe it or not, but keeping a clean dryer can help reduce the risk of fires, as excess lint, fibers and dust can be serious fire hazards. Additionally, keeping it clean will help your appliance to run smoother and more efficiently, and it will also contribute to the overall look of cleanliness within your home.
Cleaning the dryer is pretty easy, but it will involve a bit more than just clearing out the lint screen.
What is the best process to follow to keep my dryer consistently clean?
Dryer Vent:
A good place to start in the cleaning process is with the dryer vent and removing excess lint. When lint builds up, it can restrict airflow through the appliance, making it take longer to get your clothes dry. It is also an additional fire risk.
Start out by simply taking out the lint screen and removing the lint. You can use a fabric softener sheet to help get any stubborn lint off of it. Aim to do this before or after each use of the dryer.
Once the screen is cleaned up, take a look at the lint trap housing cavity, which is the area that the filter fits into. You can buy a specific tool for this at most stores, or you can try to use a crevice vacuum attachment to get inside this. Clean this area until there is no lint left.
You should also take a look at the vent hose and piping on an annual basis. Pull your appliance away from the wall and unplug it. Take the ducting off of the wall and your dryer, and clean in and around the pipe. Make sure to vacuum up all lint, dirt and debris, and inspect for any clogging in the ducting. You can also do this where the ducting leaves your home outside.
Dryer Interior:
Aside from regular dusting and general cleaning of the interior of the dryer, the most common issues will be stains left over from things being left in clothes pockets through the drying cycle.
Crayon Stains: For stains left over from crayons, it is best to find the stain, and try to chip away at it with a plastic spatula or credit card. You can then spray a little bit of degreaser onto a microfiber cloth to try to remove what remains. Once the stain is gone, clean the whole interior with warm soap and water. You can follow this up by running a cycle with dry cloths inside to help completely dry the appliance.
Candy and Gum Stains: Similar to crayon stains, start out by using a plastic tool to loosen and chip away at the stain. Follow this by using a blow dryer on the remaining stain to help soften it up. Use your plastic tool once again to chip away at what is left. Once you have removed as much as you can, scrub the area with a rag and some all purpose cleaner. Dry the area with a clean cloth once everything has been removed.
Lipstick and Makeup Stains: Start out by tackling these stains by rubbing them with a dry microfiber cloth (easiest when the dryer is warm). Make sure the dryer is completely cooled down, and unplug it from the wall. Use rubbing alcohol spread on a clean microfiber cloth to work at the remainder of the stain. Once it has been removed, plug the dryer back in, and run a cycle with some old towels inside to help remove any leftover stain residue.
Dryer Exterior:
The exterior of the appliance should be cleaned weekly, and is easiest to tackle when you are cleaning other areas of the home. If the exterior has not been cleaned for a long time, you will probably need to take some extra time scrubbing it, as dust and other residue can get stuck on.
If the exterior is in need of a deep clean, spray it down with an all purpose cleaner or warm soapy water. Use a microfiber cloth to remove any stains or stuck on dust and debris. You may need to go over areas multiple times to fully remove everything.
Once any stuck on residue has been removed, regular exterior maintenance should be easier to perform. A dry dusting of the exterior may be sufficient if you are performing it on a weekly basis. If not, the less you clean it, the more likely you need to use a solution and some elbow grease to get it fully cleaned.
What about using all natural ingredients to clean the dryer?
One of the best things about cleaning your dryer is that you do not need any harsh chemicals. Likely all that you will need is a mild all purpose cleaner, and some rubbing alcohol for certain stains. If you do need to use a degreaser, you can find an all natural one at most stores that stock cleaning supplies, or use a homemade mix with water and vinegar.
Once you get on a consistent laundry room and dryer cleaning routing, you can take your family to check out the Children’s Garden on Spring Creek in Fort Collins before the cold weather sets in!
Book one of the best cleaning companies in Fort Collins online!
Here in Fort Collins, we pride ourselves on offering simple online booking to make scheduling your cleaning quick, simple and stress free! Rest assured with our 100% satisfaction guarantee – you have nothing to lose, except for your list of chores when you book your home cleaning with Mulberry Maids.
Thanks for stopping by, and we hope to hear from you soon!