Households using tumble dryers this winter could reduce their energy bills by carrying out a simple task after every cycle. According to Ideal Home, the typical annual running cost for a vented tumble dryer is £184.44, while a condenser model costs £178.93 per year.
Consumer specialists at Which? recommend cleaning the lint filter after each use to lower running costs. The filter captures fluff from garments, and when it becomes clogged, hot air cannot circulate properly. Which? explained that this makes the dryer work harder than necessary, costing more money.
Beyond the financial impact, a clogged lint filter poses a safety risk. Which? cautioned that restricted air flow could cause the drum temperature to rise, and with a machine full of fabrics, this could lead to a fire. They noted that dryers are designed to fail safely, but many domestic fires are caused by overheating tumble dryers.
Cleaning the filter after every use is straightforward: open the door, locate the filter beneath it, lift it out, peel off the lint with your hand, roll it into a ball, and dispose of it in the bin. For a more thorough monthly clean, the dryer should be switched off and cool. Remove the filter, wash it under warm water with mild dish soap, gently scrub away any waxy build-up with a soft brush, and allow it to dry completely before replacing it.
