Clean the lint catcher after each load to avoid lint buildup and, consequently, a fire hazard.
If you’re not sure whether your dryer is gas or electric, refer to the manual or look up the manufacturer and model number online for more information. Some dryer manuals will also give you specific cleaning instructions.
If your dryer faces forward, the metal catches are typically located about 3 inches (7. 6 cm) to 4 inches (10 cm) down from the top and up from the floor. You’ll have to slide the panel upwards or downwards depending on how your dryer is assembled. If your dryer has a condenser unit that holds the lint trap, remove it from the dryer and rinse away any lint under the faucet of a large sink. Make sure to rinse both sides of the unit and let it air dry for a few hours before inserting it back into the dryer. You may need to wedge a screwdriver between the top or front panel and the base of the dryer to pry it open.
You can purchase a dryer lint cleaning kit at any hardware store. If you don’t have a lint cleaning brush, you can use a large pipe brush cleaner or a vacuum with a hose attachment that’s small enough to fit inside the opening.
If there’s no smell you can use your dryer as usual—just remember to clean out the lint trap after each load. If the burning smell persists, there may be lint stuck around the parts inside of the dryer.
Refer to the manual that came with your electric or gas dryer if you’re not sure where to locate the power cord or gas line.
Refer to your dryer’s manual to see exactly where the catches are and if there are any additional instructions about how to remove the panel. If your dryer doesn’t have a removable panel underneath where you load clothes, you may need to slide it away from the wall and remove the back panel.
If the smell persists, you may need to clean the hose duct or call a professional.
Unscrew the flex hose to disconnect the dryer from the gas line and use a gas line cap to seal the line until you’re done cleaning the dryer. Failing to disconnect the power can result in moderate shocks to electrocution, so be sure to disconnect it!
Depending on your model, the hose may look shiny and silvery or like white corrugated plastic.
Inspect and clean out the hose and the vent at least every 6 months or so, because lint buildup is a fire hazard. Look at both ends of the hose to check for any kinks—these small depressions can reduce airflow and allow bits of lint to get into the central dryer cabinet. Dryer repair companies can also clean this for you if you don’t want to do it yourself.
A useful trick: you can put a flashlight inside the dryer ducting that goes up through the roof, turn you phone on selfie mode, and then put it in the ducting. This way you can see up the ducting and check how serious the clog looks. If you have a really bad clog, you can hook a shop vacuum to the bottom of the dryer vent and suck out the lint as it gets dislodged from the vent.
The terminals are the two metal prongs on either side of the thermostat. Before disconnecting the thermostat wires, take a photo to keep track of which wires go where or jot it down on a notepad. At room temperature, the multimeter should have a reading of zero. If it reads infinity, get it replaced.
Be sure to inspect each coil. If you see any dark spots (blackening) or broken coils, call a repair service to replace the element. If two adjacent coils are touching (as if they’ve been smashed together like a slinky), it could cause an electrical short and needs to be replaced. You can also use a multimeter to test for proper functioning. Set the multimeter to the continuity setting and press the probes onto the wire terminals (one on each terminal) located at the outside corner of the encasing. If the multimeter beeps, the element is still good. If it makes no sound, the element needs to be replaced. [14] X Research source
In some models, the belt and motor pulley are located toward the front of the machine. If this is the case, remove the front panel in order to access and inspect the belt. Use your hand to tug on the belt, making sure it remains taught. If you notice any slack, parts that appear melted, or sections that have been rubbed away (revealing the internal fibers), call a professional to replace it. Be careful when inserting your hand into the body of the dryer, the edges of the cabinets and internal casings are sharp! Depending on the make and model of your dryer, the belt will be located either behind the back panel or behind the front bottom panel.
