How to clean a tumble dryer

The tumble dryer, like any other household appliance, needs to be serviced to extend its life and keep it in good working order.

There are three types of tumble dryers: evacuation dryers, condensation dryers and heat pump dryers. Depending on which one you have, it will need different types of maintenance to prevent it from breaking down and causing your electricity bill to rise excessively:

• Evacuation dryers: these are the least efficient and are becoming less and less commercially available. The water is automatically discharged to the outside through a tube that is connected to the drain. It collects air from the outside and is heated by an electrical resistance that sends it to the drum to dry the clothes. The cost of each cycle is higher than other types of dryers.

• Condensation dryer: it heats the air that enters through the back of the appliance from the outside through an electrical resistance. It is then directed to the drum which is responsible for evaporating the water from the clothes, until they are finally dried. In the process, the hot and humid air mixes with the cold air that enters the appliance and causes the steam to turn into water, which is stored in a tank that must be emptied after each drying cycle. These dryers are more efficient than evacuation dryers and more economical.

• Heat pump dryers: these are the most modern and the most expensive. This type of dryer reuses the air, which saves a lot of energy. This process is carried out thanks to a fan that causes the hot air to recirculate. This makes it the most efficient because it needs much less energy for each drying cycle.

How to clean the inside of a tumble dryer, step by step

1. Empty the water tank: if the dryer does not have a water evacuation system connected to the drain, you should empty the tank after each drying cycle.
2. Clean the filter: when the filters become full, the tumble dryer works worse, increasing the drying time, and also the energy consumption. The filter is usually located in the door and usually accumulates lint from the clothes. Clean it after each use and put the filter back in its place.
3. Clean the condenser: if you need to clean the condenser because your tumble dryer does not have a heat pump, unblock and open the maintenance bin, which is located at the bottom, next to the vent. Then move the locking levers towards each other and remove the condenser. Then clean the condenser with hot water and drain it thoroughly. When you have finished, put the condenser back into the dryer and do not forget to lock the levers. Finally, close the maintenance cover so that the condenser works properly. It is recommended to clean it three to four times a year. If the condenser is not removable, clean it with a hoover several times a year. It is also recommended to clean the ventilation grille so that the air can circulate properly.
4. Clean the drum: the drum should be cleaned regularly with a damp cloth to prevent limescale build-up.

It is important, before you put a garment in the dryer, to check the label on the clothes to make sure that it can be tumble-dried. If it has a circle inside a square, it can be put in the dryer, but if this symbol is crossed out, it is not recommended because it could damage the fabric, such as cotton, wool or linen, which can shrink.