Household Service Masters

Cleaning guides / Laundry

Clean the washer and dryer (and prevent dryer fires)

Stop washer smells and keep the dryer vent clear.

Time: 30 minutes 5 min read

Front-load washers can develop musty smells, and lint buildup in dryers is a fire risk. Both are simple to maintain.

Washer

  1. Wipe the door gasket and fold of a front-loader after each use, and leave the door ajar to dry.
  2. Clean the detergent drawer monthly.
  3. Run a cleaning cycle with a washer cleaner, or hot water and the product your manual recommends, about once a month.
  4. Check the drain pump filter if your model has one (see the manual).

Dryer

  1. Clean the lint filter before or after every load.
  2. Wash the lint screen with soapy water every few months if you use dryer sheets.
  3. Clean the vent duct from the dryer to the outside at least once a year.
  4. Check that the outside vent flap opens when the dryer runs.

General cleaning information. Read product labels, test in a hidden spot first, and never mix bleach with ammonia or acids. Household Service Masters isn't paid by any product brand.