7 Uses for Your Dryer
Your clothes dryer can do much more than simply dry your laundry. Discover the various ways to utilize your dryer’s full potential and make your life easier.
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- Eliminate Germs & Bugs: The Sanitize cycle in modern dryers is a powerful tool for maintaining a clean and healthy wardrobe. This cycle uses high temperatures to kill bacteria, lice, bedbugs, moth larvae, and other unwanted pests. To ensure maximum effectiveness, run the Sanitize cycle for at least 30 minutes. This way, you can be confident that your clothes are germ-free and safe to wear.
- Revitalize Your Outfit: If your chosen outfit has been sitting in a pile of clothes, use your dryer to freshen it up quickly. Steam dryers have a Steam Refresh cycle, which releases steam into the drum, smoothing wrinkles and revitalizing the fabric. If your dryer doesn’t have a steam feature, dampen a clean cloth and toss it in with your outfit. Run the dryer for a few minutes, and your clothes will be refreshed and ready to wear.
- Safely Dry Delicates: Some dryers offer drum racks that can be inserted to provide a flat surface for drying delicate items. These racks help stabilize bulky items and protect delicate fabrics from damage. Check your dryer’s manufacturer’s website for compatible accessories that can enhance your dryer’s functionality.
- Reduce Ironing Time: Many dryers have cycles and settings that help minimize wrinkles. Steam dryers inject steam into the drum, preventing wrinkles from forming. If you have a standard dryer, use the Permanent Press cycle to reduce wrinkles by rotating the drum more slowly. Some dryers also have a feature that periodically rotates the drum after the cycle has completed, preventing wrinkles from setting in.
- Monitor Dryer Safety: Newer dryers often come with built-in sensors that monitor the conditions inside the exhaust vent. If the sensor detects a blockage or clog, it will trigger an error message or alarm, alerting you to clean the vent before using the dryer again. This safety feature can help prevent expensive or potentially dangerous dryer fires. You can easily clean your dryer’s filter slot and the vent coming out of the back with a dryer vent cleaning kit that includes a vacuum attachment to say you the mess.
- Fluff Up Your Comforter: Over time, the material inside your comforter can become compressed and flat. To restore its loft, place your comforter in the dryer along with a few wool dryer balls on a low or no-heat cycle. The wool dryer balls will bounce around, helping to refluff the filling, giving your comforter a like-new feel.
- Embrace Energy Efficiency: Energy Star-rated clothes dryers are now available, offering energy-efficient alternatives to traditional models. These dryers use 20-40% less energy than standard dryers, making them eco-friendly and budget-conscious choices. By selecting an energy-efficient dryer, you can contribute to a greener environment while also saving on your utility bills.
By utilizing these extra uses for your dryer, you can save time, energy, and extend the lifespan of your clothes and other items. Make the most of your dryer’s capabilities and enjoy the convenience it can bring to your daily routine.
Leon is a skilled appliance repair technician serving the Huntington, WV and Ashland, KY areas. With years of hands-on experience and a passion for fixing things, Leon is dedicated to helping homeowners breathe new life into their appliances.
