A laundry room with a Maytag Washer and Dryer next to shelves and cubbies with items like shoes, coats and other various items.

How To Clean a Dryer Inside and Out in 3 Steps

Cleaning a dryer can help ensure it operates as it should and effectively dries every article of clothing in every load. Regularly cleaning your dryer is necessary to help maintain proper airflow and protect your clothes and other items from stains, smells or wear and tear that can result from a dirty dryer. 

 

Most people are familiar with cleaning the lint screen and the interior and exterior of your dryer, but a thorough cleaning requires more knowledge and action. Luckily, keeping your dryer clean is an easy process. Keep reading this guide to learn the tips and tricks you can use to clean your dryer effectively. 

A Maytag Washer and Dryer in a laundry room. Under the counter is a laundry basket on wheels. On the counter are various laundry supplies

How frequently should I clean my dryer?

Your lint screen must be cleaned after every use, as a dirty one can extend the drying times due to poor ventilation. On the other hand, cleaning your dryer drum can be performed as needed. If your dryer drum has a noticeable odour or visible residue, then it’s time to clean it.

White interior dryer drum of a front load dryer White interior dryer drum of a front load dryer

How do I clean the interior of a tumble dryer?

In most cases, cleaning your dryer drum isn’t a challenging process, and you will only need a few household items.

 

Firstly, clean your lint screen after drying a load. For the dryer drum, you need to inspect it regularly. Over time, the drum can become stained by various waxy or ink substances or develop an odour. If you notice an unpleasant scent or mess, it’s time to clean your dryer to prevent stains and smells from transferring to your clothes.

 

Gather these items to clean your dryer’s interior:

Tools

  • Towels

  • Microfiber cloths

  • Sponge

  • Spray bottle (optional)

Supplies

  • Hot water

  • Non-flammable cleaner or mild hand dish detergent 

An icon representing lint

Step 1: Clean the screen and lint trap

Clean the lint trap by rolling off the lint with your fingers after each load. 

You should perform a deep clean roughly every 6 months. To do so, use a vacuum to thoroughly remove all the lint and debris in the lint trap and holder. To remove residue buildup, wash the screen with hot water, a liquid detergent and a nylon brush. Make sure you dry it completely before returning it to its place.

An icon of three interrupted lines

Step 2: Wipe clean the dryer drum

Combine hot water with a non-flammable cleaner or mild hand dish detergent to concoct a low concentration cleaner. Dampen a towel or sponge in the solution and wipe down the drum. Be sure to remove any residue left by dryer sheets or stains caused by substances like ink. Another option is to carefully pour the cleaning solution into a spray bottle and then spray the inside of the drum and wipe it with a microfiber cloth.

An icon of a hand on a square representing drying.

Step 3: Dry the dryer drum completely

Add a load of dry, clean clothes or towels to your dryer and let them tumble until the drum is completely dry. You can also use a dry and clean microfiber cloth to wipe the drum dry. Lastly, leave the dryer door open for a bit to prevent odours from developing due to lingering moisture.

An icon of three squiggly lines

Step 4: Clean the dryer vent

Your dryer vent(s) should be cleaned every 2 years or more often if there appears to be a blockage causing issues.

Explore Maytag® Dryers

Discover the dependability of Maytag® Dryers, designed to help simplify laundry day. Learn about the collection of top- and front-loading dryers built to care for your laundry reliably.

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