5 things to avoid when using a clothes dryer

According to home appliance expert Matt Stevens of Which - a non-profit organization for consumer protection in the UK, there are 5 things you should avoid when using a clothes dryer if you want the product to last and bring optimal efficiency.

To clog the lint filter

The lint filter on a clothes dryer is designed to catch stray fibers from clothing that can clog the vent.

A clogged filter will prevent air from circulating properly, meaning your clothes won't dry effectively. This will make your machine work longer and cost more.

Lint build-up is also flammable and can cause the temperature inside the dryer to rise. Dryers have thermal cut-outs, so they are designed to stop if the inside of the drum gets too hot. However, it is still important to be proactive about dryer safety to avoid accidents. The lint filter should be cleaned after each use to keep the dryer running smoothly and safely.

No heat exchanger test (with heat pump dryers)

Heat pump dryers work a little differently than vented dryers. Instead of hot air drying the clothes and exiting as steam, a heat exchanger condenses the warm air from the wet clothes into water, which is then collected in a tank below the machine.

Like the lint filter, the heat exchanger can become clogged. The heat exchanger is a small metal and plastic device about the size of a shoebox at the front of the machine. Once removed, you can clean the lint by hand or under running water. Try cleaning it once a month, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Running the dryer too full

To dry clothes effectively, a dryer needs to be able to circulate hot air around the drum. Overfilling the drum means that drying takes longer, the quality of the drying will be reduced, and too much heat can build up in the drum.

Also, running a dryer almost empty is not cost-effective. If you only have one or two items to dry, hanging them is a much better option.

Put wool clothes in the dryer

Avoid using a tumble dryer when drying woollens as the temperature in the drum is too high. The heat from the tumble dryer causes the fibres to intertwine, making the fabric tighter and the fibres smaller.

According to experts, with wool, it is best to wring it dry and air dry.

Choose to buy machine by price

When buying a clothes dryer, consider more than just the price. You will need to think about the running costs, the size, the features you need and how often you will use it. Vented dryers are often cheaper than heat pumps but have higher running costs. Instead, energy-efficient heat pump dryers may cost more initially but use less than half the energy of a vented dryer, so they are more economical in the long run.