You only need to remember a few simple guidelines to keep you dryer running efficient and without many repairs!
Keeping your home dryer venting clean is the most important maintenance you can perform for your dryer. Restricted venting can cause your dryer to over heat internally resulting in premature part failures in your dryer. It will also cause your dryer to have a longer dryer time which will use more energy and cause lint to build up in your dryer resulting in a fire hazard.
If your dryer venting is less than six feet long with little or no bends it will not require a lot of maintenance. If external remove your venting once a year and clean or replace if needed. If internal there are brushes you can purchase from your local hardware store and clean it yourself.
If your dryer venting is over six feet long with bends you may need to have your venting professedly cleaned. I have found that your dryer venting should not exceed fifteen feet. You must add three feet to your total for each bend when adding up total length of dryer venting. The longer the venting the harder your dryer will need to work. Your dryer can only push lint so far before it slows down and falls, plugging up your venting. I understand that due to some locations of laundry rooms, keeping with in these guidelines are almost impossible.
Every five years I would inspect your dryer internally. Look for lint buildup and vacuum if necessary. This inspection should be performed by a qualified service personal.
If you use fabric sheets in your dryer you may want to wash your lint screen in warm water with a mild soap every six months. Let dry completely before use. The chemical used in these sheets causes lint to stick in your dryer venting and slows airflow through your lint screen. Your dryer venting may require more frequent cleaning if you use fabric sheets.
