How To Use Vinegar To Clean Your Dryer Drum For A More Efficient Cycle

Of all of the appliances in your home, your dryer might be the most neglected when it comes to routine cleaning. Dryer drums typically only ever come into contact with clean clothes and dryer sheets or wool dryer balls, so you might assume that there's no real need to wash them out. However, they still need to be cleaned routinely to function properly. Fortunately, the perfect ingredient to help keep your dryer drum clean is probably already in your home. Vinegar can be used to break down the build-up on your dryer walls.

To clean the machine, start by unplugging it. Next, lightly spray the drum with a solution made of one part white vinegar and one part water. Wipe it out with a dry cleaning towel, and then leave the door open long enough to allow it to dry completely. Plug the appliance back in only once the drum is completely dry. It's crucial that, before trying out this home cleaning method, you check your appliance's user manual thoroughly for guidance on what cleaning products you can safely use on your particular machine just in case.

Cleaning the inside of your dryer drum might seem like yet another unnecessary home maintenance task, but this component of your machine is actually prone to build-up that needs to be removed to maximize efficiency. When you use dryer sheets with a waxy coating, for instance, they leave residue behind in your dryer drum. Fabric softener residue from your clothes can also contribute to this build-up, which may eventually prevent the appliance from working properly. The build-up may even interfere with the electronic moisture sensor in certain dryer drums, which can increase energy bills over time. Vinegar can help break down this coating to get your dryer back in working condition with little elbow grease required.

It is also a great idea to use a vinegar solution to clean your lint trap. It can easily become coated with this wax over time as well. When your dryer's lint trap is restricted from functioning properly, it poses a serious safety hazard due to the risk of fire. To clean your lint trap properly, begin by unplugging your dryer. Next, remove your lint trap and pull off any lint that may be on the screen. Fill your sink with a cleaning solution made of ½ cup of vinegar, water, and a small amount of dish soap. Submerge your lint screen in the sink and allow it to sit for 30 minutes. Next, use a cleaning brush to gently scrub the screen to remove any stubborn build-up. Rinse it and allow it to dry completely before carefully sliding it back into place.

Generally speaking, you need to clean your dryer drum and all its associated parts at least once a month to keep everything working in tip-top condition. After cleaning lint from your dryer and wiping out your dryer drum, consider taking some time to clean the outside of the machine as well. The outside of the appliance can easily become stained with drips of sticky detergent residue, fabric softener, and more. Lint and dust might also collect on the surface of the dryer. Although this does not impact the function of the machine, it does make it unsightly.

Luckily, you can use vinegar for this too. To clean the outside of your dryer, unplug the appliance first to eliminate the risk of electrical shock. Next, create a cleaning solution using one part vinegar and one part water. Use a microfiber cloth dampened with the solution to wipe the dryer down on all sides as well as the front of the machine. As always, allow it to dry completely before plugging the appliance back in. You can repeat this cleaning routine whenever you notice grime build-up on the outside of your dryer or save it for when you're doing your monthly deep clean if you prefer.