The change of the seasons is the perfect time to check your annual tasks, including cleaning your dryer vent and interior. Why? A clogged vent restricts airflow inside the dryer drum, hampering performance and risking overheating. Learn how to clean a Samsung dryer and dryer vent, and avoid serious malfunctions with this simple step-by-step guide.
When, Where, and How to Clean a Samsung Dryer and Dryer Vent
While clogged dryer vents can restrict heat and decrease function, overheating can cause dangerous fires that risk serious harm. Cleaning a Samsung dryer and dryer vent while inspecting all its components every 6-12 months avoids these risks and keeps your dryer functioning properly. But before we detail how to clean your dryer vent, let’s review these common problems that may signal that it may be time for a thorough cleaning.
How Do You Tell if Your Dryer Vent Is Clogged?
A dryer not heating properly due to clogged vents exhibits several possible signs.
These common problems are often caused by a clogged dryer vent:
- Dryer takes too long to dry clothes: Without adequate heat, clothes won’t dry during a typical cycle, making the dryer run longer.
- Dryer takes more than one cycle: Instead of one cycle running longer, a lack of heat may require multiple cycles to get clothes dry.
- Dryer feels hot when touched: If the top of the dryer feels hot or emits a burning smell, stop the cycle immediately. The dryer may be at risk of overheating and starting a fire due to restricted airflow from the clogged vent.
Another sign your dryer vent needs cleaned is if you see lint on the outside vent opening. Air from your dryer exits your home from the outside vent opening. If you notice lint around the vent or the duct hood flap isn’t opening when the dryer is running, lint may be blocking it.
How Do I Clean the Vent on My Samsung Dryer?
Cleaning the vent on your Samsung dryer is an important task that should be done regularly to ensure your dryer is running at its best. Not only will this improve the efficiency of your dryer, but it will also help prevent fires. Cleaning the lint trap vent can quickly be accomplished with a dryer vent brush while the lint trap dries. Simply circulate the brush throughout the vent opening, removing all reachable lint and debris. It may take several passes with the brush to remove as much lint as possible. Once large debris has been removed, use a vacuum’s narrow hose attachment to extract all remaining lint from the area.
Here’s how to clean your dryer vent:
- Unplug the dryer and move it away from the wall to access the vent.
- Disconnect the vent from the dryer and the wall.
- Circulate the dryer vent brush within the vent to remove lint and debris.
- If you have a metal dryer vent, use the vacuum’s narrow hose attachment to remove smaller pieces of debris. Skip this step if you have foil or plastic venting, as vacuuming could cause damage.
- Use the brush or vacuum hose attachment to remove any blockages around the vent exhaust on the outside of your house.
- Reconnect the vent to the wall and dryer, restore the dryer’s power and position it back in place.
How Do I Clean the Filter on My Samsung Dryer?
While it’s important to remove accumulated lint from the lint trap after every drying cycle, it also requires a more in-depth cleaning. Over time, dryer sheets and fabric softener residue can clog the holes in the lint trap, allowing lint to accumulate in the vent.
How Often Should a Dryer Vent Be Cleaned?
The frequency at which a dryer vent should be cleaned can vary depending on usage, but it is generally recommended to have it done at least once a year. If you use your dryer frequently, or if you have a larger household with multiple loads of laundry being done daily, it may be necessary to clean a clean Samsung front-load dryer and vent more regularly.
Additionally, if you notice that your clothes are taking longer to dry or that the dryer is getting hot to the touch, it may be a sign that the vent needs to be cleaned. In any case, it is crucial to keep an eye on your dryer’s performance and schedule regular cleaning to ensure it is running safely and efficiently.
How Do I Clean the Inside of My Samsung Dryer?
Maintaining a clean dryer is important to ensure that it runs efficiently and prevents odors and stains. One way to prevent moisture buildup is not to allow wet clothes to sit in the dryer drum before starting the cycle. This can promote mold and mildew growth inside your dryer. Additionally, it’s important to regularly check and clean a Samsung dryer drum, as spills or stains can occur.
To clean a Samsung dryer:
If the drum is powder-coated, an all-purpose cleaner can be used to remove stains, followed by running old towels or rags through a dry cycle to collect any remaining stains or cleaner. For a stainless steel drum, a damp cloth with a mild, non-abrasive cleaner specifically designed for easily marred surfaces should be used, followed by removing the cleaner residue and drying with a clean cloth.
If, after a bit of Samsung dryer troubleshooting, your dryer continues to have problems with drying, it may have a faulty component or a malfunctioning Samsung dryer vent sensor. Call the experts at CD Appliance Repair. Our technicians can help with any and all dryer maintenance and dryer repair. Call or schedule your professional dryer vent cleaning online today!