Tune-up and Clean Your Clothes Dryer (March 11, 2001):

When was the last time you checked the vent on your dryer or cleaned behind it? This should be done at least once a year or more it you use your dryer a lot. If it is a gas dryer, first turn the gas valve off. If it’s electric, unplug it. Slowly pull it away from the wall, and if it is gas, be careful not to break the flexible gas line. Disconnect the dryer vent. If it is a plastic one, replace it with aluminum. The ridged 4-inch aluminum vent pipe that comes in 2 ft sections is the best. Flexible aluminum foil vent pipe is not as good as the ridged aluminum, but it is better than the plastic. If you already have aluminum, clean all the lint build up out of it, the pipe in the dryer, and the vent that goes outside. While cleaning the vent outside, make sure the louvers or door on the vent are closing properly and are clean. If not, repair or replace. Next, inspect the flexible gas line. If it’s a brass color, replace it with a new stainless steel gas supply line. If it is a gray color, it is usually epoxy coated. Inspect it for cracks and if you find any, replace it with the stainless supply line. Clean behind and around the dryer and washing machine and carefully slide it back in place. Make sure your vent is hooked up on the dryer and the vent going outside. Have a cup of warm soapy water and a paintbrush ready and turn your gas valve back on. Take the brush and dip it in the soapy water and brush all the gas fittings and the flexible gas line. Watch for bubbles that keep growing. If you see any that is an indication that you have a gas leak. Tighten the fittings or repair as needed. On the fitting, you need to use pipe dope or Teflon tape. Do not use the white Teflon tape, because it is not for use with gas. Teflon tape for gas is yellow in color and will say for gas on the package. While you are at it, take a look at the water supply lines for your washing machine. Around the fitting where it hooks up the water valves and the inlet on the washing machine make sure there are no bulges. If there are any bulges, turn the water off and replace it. You should clean your dryer vent once a year. This will decrease a chance of the lint build up from catching on fire and also improve the time it takes to dry your clothes, especially clothes like jeans and towels. This is not that hard, you can do it and it will be worth your time.