Those who have tried it know it well: the dryer is one of those appliances you can’t live without once you discover it. It saves time, eliminates the need for a drying rack, and gives you soft, ready-to-wear clothes. Keeping it efficient prevents issues such as damp clothes, unpleasant odors, or longer-than-expected cycles.
Simple periodic actions, taking only a few minutes, can prevent future breakdowns and keep your dryer efficient, avoiding energy waste of up to 20–30%.
With proper dryer maintenance, you won’t want to live without it!
Why dryer maintenance is important
Cleaning and checking the dryer regularly not only extends its lifespan but also ensures efficiency, safety, and better results. Here’s what can happen if it’s neglected:
Technical problems
- Overheating: Lint clogs the filters and reduces airflow. The motor and heating element work harder, increasing the risk of breakdowns or, in worst cases, fire.
- High energy consumption: The dryer takes longer to dry and uses more energy.
- Reduced appliance lifespan.
Clothes permanently damaged
- Fabric wear: Overlong cycles and uneven heat can wear out fibers, making clothes rougher, discolored, or “fuzzy.”
- Risk of shrinkage: Poor airflow causes overheating and damages delicate fabrics.
- Stains: If the condenser or tank isn’t cleaned, dirty water can leave residues on clothes.
💡Smart tip: The hOn Smart AI Dry option recognizes already dry clothes to remove them and prevent damage.
The right time for dryer maintenance
Prevent a drop in performance and avoid incomplete drying or unusually long cycles. Perform maintenance after heavy use, such as frequent washing of sheets, towels, or bulky items that produce a lot of lint.
Also, during seasonal changes, when the dryer is used more intensively, or when drying delicate garments.
Steps for effective maintenance
Here are routine tasks you can do yourself, without a technician:
1. Cleaning lint filters
This is the most important task: a partially clogged filter significantly reduces airflow and dryer performance.
Not sure where the filters are?
All dryers have a two-part filter located at the bottom of the door opening. Clean it before or immediately after each cycle. Remove the filter, remove fiber residues, and, if necessary, rinse it gently with water. Make sure it’s completely dry before reinserting it.
Other filters depend on the dryer model. Some models have a second filter at the door, sometimes nested, sometimes inside the drum, while the most common additional filter is at the bottom front of the appliance. Clean this every 5–10 cycles.
2. Empty the water tank
If not directly connected to the drain, remember to empty it and check for mold or debris. If stagnant water or odor occurs, wash the tank with water and a splash of vinegar.
3. Check for odors, residue, and internal moisture
After drying laundry, leave the door open for a few minutes to let residual moisture evaporate, preventing odors or mold. If you smell burning or smoke, turn it off immediately and check for lint around the fan, heater, or motor.
4. General cleaning
Of seals, drum, and internal sensors. Door seals collect lint, dust, and detergent residues, while moisture sensors may accumulate limescale or detergent, causing longer drying times. For a top-performing dryer, clean delicate parts gently with a soft damp cloth or a few drops of vinegar every few weeks.
For deeper checks
- Periodic checks of mechanical parts, screws, and hinges for wear.
- Check the condenser (for condenser or heat pump models): clean every 1–2 months to maintain energy efficiency and proper airflow.
- Check ventilation ducts (for vented models) to ensure they are unobstructed.
- Schedule internal cleaning to remove lint accumulated over time. Use an authorized technician, disassembly can damage components and risk electric shock.
Safety first! Always disconnect the dryer from power and use protective gloves for disassembly; in some cases, it’s safer to rely on experts.
Natural tips for always fresh clothes
- Beyond technical maintenance, small tricks help keep clothes soft and fragrant:
- Add natural wool balls to the drum: reduce drying time and soften clothes.
- Add a cotton handkerchief with a few drops of essential oil (lavender, citrus, eucalyptus) for a natural, gentle scent. Or try Care+Protect perfume tabs: insert two tabs for stronger fragrance.
- Air out the dryer regularly by leaving the door open a few minutes after use.
Maintenance technology: hOn app
To never forget dryer maintenance and have support at hand, use the hOn app. It guides you with smart reminders, personalized tips, and notifications for the best maintenance times. Beyond alerts, it walks you through maintenance step by step for easy and effective upkeep.
Your dryer will always remain efficient, safe, and ready to deliver optimal results without energy waste.
You can monitor consumption in the Statistics area and check Tips to avoid mistakes.