Simple Tricks To Get the Most Out of Your Clothes Dryer

If you own a washer-dryer, it’s probably been working hard over the past few weeks. Chances are it could be going even further, though whether that’s by using less energy per cycle, or cleaning and drying your clothes more thoroughly.

1. Use permanent press
This medium-heat cycle with a cool-down period, in the end, is a proven crease curber. Don’t pack clothes in. They need to float freely or they’ll wrinkle.

2. Don’t wait for the dryer to ding
You can skip ironing dress shirts, pants, and school uniforms by taking them out of the dryer 10 minutes before the cycle is done when they’re slightly damp. Give them a good shake and hang them up, pressing with your hands.

3. Clean the machine
Even though you empty the lint filter after each use (right?), lint buildup can clog the duct over time and become a fire hazard. A sure sign that your dryer is clogged? It takes more than an hour to dry a load. Once a year, detach the hose from the back of the dryer and snake a long brush through to push out lint (20-foot dryer vent brush, $30, gbindustrialdirect.com). Also, scrub the lint filter once a year with a small toothbrush and a bit of detergent. Rinse, then air-dry completely.