Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean Your Tumble Dryer

Tumble dryers naturally accumulate a lot of fluff when drying your clothes. A clogged filter means your machine will use more energy to dry your clothes, costing you more.

Cleaning your tumble dryer also helps prevent odours and keeps your appliance running efficiently – ensuring your clothes are cared for both now and in the future. 

There are four areas of your tumble dryer to clean regularly as part of your routine:

• Lint filter – after each use.
• Drum – every month.
• Drying sensor – every few months.
• The relevant one from the following:

Condenser (for a condenser tumble dryer) – every month.

Evaporator filter (for a heat pump tumble dryer) – every few cycles.

Vent hose (for a vented tumble dryer) – every three months.

Let’s take a step-by-step look at how to clean each of them. Following our tumble dryer cleaning tips below will really make a difference to you and your machine in the long run.

The filter is a fine mesh that catches fluff, lint and anything else from your laundry to prevent damage being done inside the machine and keep it running efficiently. You need to clean this after each use – here’s how:

1. Make sure the tumble dryer has cooled down.
2. Open the door and remove the lint filter from the front by pulling up.
3. The filter will open like a book – wipe the dust and lint away by hand or with a soft cloth.
4. Close the filter and pop it back in the housing.

We recommended giving the filter and housing a deep clean every few months. Just wash the filter under the tap and use a vacuum cleaner on a low suction setting to clean the lint filter housing. Make sure the lint filter is completely dry before you replace it.

Cleaning the drum will help avoid unpleasant smells from your tumble dryer. Give it a once-over every month:

1. Spray or dip a cloth into a non-abrasive cleaning product or a solution of white vinegar and water.
2. Wipe over the whole of the drum and the inside of the door.
3. Leave the door open to let it dry.
4. Use the same solution to wipe down the front, sides and back of the machine to keep everything looking tip-top.

The sensor is a key component of your tumble dryer. It helps detect if clothes are wet and automatically turns off the cycle when they’re dry. Keeping it clean will help save energy by avoiding extended drying times. It’s a good idea to clean it every few months – here are the steps to follow:

1. Allow the tumble dryer to cool down.
2. The sensor is behind the lint filter in the front of the door opening.
3. Wipe the metal surfaces of the sensor bars with a soft cloth.
4. You can dampen the cloth with white vinegar (avoid using abrasive cleaning products).
5. Ensure you’ve dried the sensor bars with a soft cloth before using your tumble dryer again.

Cleaning the condenser will keep your tumble dryer performing well and keep drying times to a minimum. Giving the condenser a clean every month is ideal:

1. Press the kick plate button to open the kick plate.
2. Slide out the evaporator filter.
3. Unlock the condenser locks and then pull the condenser out.
4. Clean the condenser by applying pressurised water with a shower head or under a tap until the water runs clear and drains.
5. Leave the condenser to air dry.
6. Place the condenser back in its housing in the tumble dryer and fasten the locks to secure it in place.
7. Close the kick plate cover.

Your evaporator filter should be checked and cleaned every few cycles to maintain drying performance. Here’s your step-by-step guide:

1. Press the kick plate button to open the kick plate.
2. Remove the evaporator filter drawer.
3. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently clean the evaporator fins behind the filter by brushing them upwards and downwards. Or use protective gloves to clean it by hand – be careful, as evaporator fins can be sharp. If the evaporator is dry, you can use a vacuum cleaner in the same up-and-down motions.
4. Open the evaporator filter and clean with a vacuum cleaner or damp sponge and, if needed, rinse through under running water.
5. Ensure the filter is dry before replacing.
6. Close the kick plate cover.

Cleaning the vent hose of your tumble dryer every three months is essential. Lint and debris can build up in the vent, preventing moisture from escaping the drum and increasing drying times and energy consumption. Here’s how:

1. Disconnect your tumble dryer from the mains.
2. Remove the vent hose.
3. Depending on the length of your hose, you can clean it with a cloth and a mild cleaning product or use a feather duster.

Cleaning your tumble dryer regularly is important to keep it running efficiently. But there are some other things you can do to save energy each time you use your dryer. Take a look at Hotpoint’s 5 top tips for energy-efficient drying this winter for some simple steps you could easily benefit from today.