In general, dryers survive several years longer than washing machines when maintenance and best practices are followed on a regular basis. Home dryers like Maytag, Samsung, and Whirlpool can be expensive to buy and repair, so you’ll save money over time by doing routine maintenance and buying things that make it function more efficiently.
Although there are times when a dryer is defective, your dryer’s lifespan can often be shortened by the things you do on a regular basis as a household. Read on to get advice from the Top Shelf appliance specialists, who have more than 20 years of experience, on how to prolong the life of your home dryer device.
- How Can I Extend The Life of My Dryer?
How Can I Extend the Life Cycle of My Dryer?
Appliance Repair Services Near Me
253-486-9072
No one can predict the lifespan of a dryer, but there are indicators that can help you estimate how long your dryer might last. However, this number can be affected by a number of different factors, including how well the dryer is maintained and how often it is used.
- One of the best ways to ensure that your dryer lasts as long as possible is to follow some simple upkeep and maintenance tips. For example, regularly cleaning the dryer vents can help prevent fires, while vacuuming the exhaust duct can help increase efficiency and prevent your dryer from overworking itself.
- In addition, it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with your dryer’s Owner’s Manual so that you know how to properly use and care for your particular model.
If you keep your dryer clean and well-maintained, it’s likely to last for many years. However, even the best-cared-for dryers will eventually reach the end of their lifespan. When this happens, it’s important to know that recycling centers will accept dryers, or you can check with your local municipality to see if there are any special regulations in place for dryer disposal.
What Affects the Lifespan of a Dryer?
When appliances are in good shape, the home runs well—until they aren’t. On average, good dryers usually last between 7 and 12 years. People frequently take these costly accessories for granted, paying no attention to regular maintenance or how long it has been since they were installed. This could reduce the lifespan of the appliance and force you to buy a new one early.
Any local appliance technician will confirm that the lifespan for dryers and the majority of large appliances has drastically dropped over the past 25 years. This is primarily due to the extra features seen in modern, electronically controlled models. As manufacturers move away from quality assurance and more towards convenience and aesthetics, durability has diminished.
Additionally, increased use could reduce an appliance’s lifespan even further, given that people had been spending more time at home throughout the pandemic.
What Should I Avoid Doing to Upkeep my Dryer?
Here are some tips on what to avoid so that your dryer performs at its optimal level:
- Don’t use dryer sheets. Our expert advises avoiding dryer sheets. Their waxy layer may accumulate on the lint screen, which will make the dryer work harder (and the screen clog faster).
- Don’t forget to clean the dryer vent. A blocked trap is the main cause of stress on your dryer, despite the temptation to postpone cleaning it in between loads. Clean it as often as possible for better results and protection.
- Don’t dry shoes or heavy items. It is never a good idea to pack your dryer tightly or allow shoes to slam around inside your appliance. Doing so can overwork different components of your dryer, like the drum, causing it to break down.
- Avoid using vinyl tubing. Because it lacks the flexible feel of aluminum tubing, this product does not comply with current fire rules. Use vent duct tubing, a semi-rigid product that can be found at your neighborhood hardware shop, as the appropriate tubing instead.
- Never place your dryer on uneven surfaces. Your dryer needs to be in a stable position to function properly. An unlevel base can place a lot of pressure on your bearings and affect your load capacity. Use a leveling device to ensure that your dryer is standing on even ground.
What Are Some Protective Measures to Take to Make My Dryer Last?
Many consumers overlook the owner’s manual for information on how to preserve the life of their dryer. Each appliance brand may have different instructions on upkeep, but in general, the following protective measures can be taken to lengthen the life of your dryer:
Routinely Wipe Your Drum With a Microfiber Cloth
This will catch any residual wax left from dryer sheets or unidentified substances that were left behind in clothing pockets.
Cover Your Vent With a Screen
Wildlife is enticed to nest in this cozy, small nook by the warm environment. It is unpleasant to have a flock of birds or a colony of rodents migrate inside your ventilation tube. Not only does this raise the possibility of harming your dryer, but it also raises the possibility of having some unwelcome house guests eventually.
Only Dry Items that Your Dryer Can Handle
As experienced appliance repairmen for over 20 years, we see instances in which toys, wigs, and other non-clothes items ruin a dryer. When in doubt, refer to your owner’s manual to get a list of approved fabrics and items.
Clean the Exhaust Vent Biannually
The vent is usually located in the back of your dryer and tends to be filled with lint buildup. Cleaning it will prolong the life of your appliance and prevent a fire.
Which Dryer Brands Have a Longer Lifespan?
Now that you have been informed on how long dryers typically last and what to do to preserve them, it is important to know the most reliable brands available before shopping for a new or replacement appliance. According to Consumer Reports, the best dryers with top-rated reviews for longevity include:
- LG
- Speed Queen
- Whirlpool
- Amana
- Maytag
- Samsung
These brands are recommended for performance and dependability. Even if a dryer has a slow breakage rate, it may need repairs or adjustments the same way that your car needs routine care. For all of your dryer appliance questions or repair needs, you can contact Top Shelf Services anytime.
Click to contact Top Shelf Appliance Repair Services today
