Maintenance · Dryer
How to keep your dryer running (and safe)
Almost every dryer problem we see in Ottawa traces back to airflow. Lint in the vent makes the dryer run hot, blows the thermal fuse, wears the element and is a genuine fire risk. Airflow is also the easiest thing to maintain.
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The checklist
| Task | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Clean the lint screen | Every load | Every single load. Once a month, wash it with soap and water: dryer-sheet residue builds an invisible film that cuts airflow. |
| Clear the vent run | Yearly, more for long runs | Disconnect the duct behind the dryer and clean it, then check the outside hood opens freely while the dryer runs. In winter, keep snow off the hood. |
| Replace foil duct with metal | Once | Flexible foil duct crushes, sags and traps lint. Rigid or semi-rigid metal duct, as short and straight as possible, is what the manufacturers specify. |
| Wipe the moisture sensor bars | Every few months | The two metal strips inside the drum opening. Rubbing alcohol removes the softener film that makes the dryer stop early with damp clothes. |
| Don't overload | Every load | Overstuffed drums can't tumble, so clothes come out damp, and the extra weight wears the rollers and belt. |
| Listen for new noises | Ongoing | A squeal is an idler pulley or glides; a thump is a roller. Both are cheap to fix early and expensive when they shred the belt or overheat the motor. |
| Keep the area clear | Ongoing | Lint collects under and behind the dryer. Vacuum it when you clean the duct, and never store anything against the back. |
Signs it's past maintenance
- Takes two cycles to dry
- No heat
- Squealing or thumping
- Hot cabinet or burning smell
- Stops mid-cycle
If you're seeing any of these, maintenance won't fix it. Book a visit: the diagnostic is free when you go ahead with the repair.
Related problem guides
Dryer takes too long to dryIf the dryer heats but loads still take forever, the problem is usually the air path rather than the dryer…Dryer not heatingThe drum turns, the timer counts down, and the clothes come out as wet as they went in. The cause is usually…Dryer squealing or squeakingA high-pitched squeal that rises and falls with the drum is almost always a worn moving part in the drive…Dryer overheating or burning smellTreat this as a safety problem first. Lint is very flammable, and a dryer that runs too hot usually has a…Dryer vent cloggedA blocked vent makes every load take longer, wears out heating parts early and raises the fire risk. It is…