Stay cosy during winter with these quick and easy dryer care tips

Winter is here, and while we love the idea of cozy sweaters, warm blankets, and curling up indoors, there’s one thing we can’t escape—laundry. With all the snow-soaked jackets and endless piles of woolly clothes, your dryer is about to be working overtime. But is it ready for the challenge? A little maintenance now can save you from a lot of hassle (and soggy clothes) later. And don’t worry, we’re not talking about anything complicated—just a few quick, easy tips to keep your dryer running smoothly all winter long.

Don’t let lint buildup catch you off guard

Ever pulled out a load of towels out of your dryer, only to find they’re still damp? Or worse, noticed your dryer taking forever to dry your clothes? That’s your lint filter waving a red flag, trying to tell you it needs cleaning. We’ve all been guilty of ignoring it (just one more load, right?), but letting that lint pile up can slow your dryer down. Make it a habit—after each load, scoop out the lint and ensure your dryer keeps working at its best. It takes two seconds but can save you a world of frustration—and a potential disaster.

Keep the airflow going strong

If your dryer seems to be working overtime, even for smaller loads, but your clothes still aren’t drying properly, that’s often a sign your dryer vent is clogged, slowing down the airflow and making the dryer work twice as hard. Blocked vents prevent proper airflow, making your dryer less efficient and leading to longer drying times (and higher energy bills). A quick vent clean-out can make a big difference, getting your dryer back to peak performance and saving you from endless drying cycles. It’s a simple fix that’ll keep your laundry routine hassle-free and your dryer running like a champ.

Check the seals for a snug fit

We all know the feeling of being in a hurry—throwing your clothes in the dryer and hoping they’ll be done by the time you need to rush out. But if the door or drum seals aren’t tight, you might be waiting longer than you planned. Loose seals let heat escape, which means your dryer has to work harder to dry your clothes, and suddenly, that “quick” load turns into an hour-long ordeal. No one has time for that, especially when you’ve got a hectic everyday life to live and your appliances are supposed to be making your life simpler, not harder. Tight seals, quick dry times, happy you.

Give your dryer a yearly check-up

Even if you’re diligent with cleaning the lint filter and checking the vent, there’s still a lot going on inside your dryer that you can’t see. Over time, small issues can build up and turn into bigger problems—usually at the worst possible time (like mid-winter, when you really need it). Scheduling a professional check-up once a year helps catch any hidden issues before they turn into costly repairs. A quick tune-up now means your dryer will be ready to handle all the extra laundry winter throws your way. And you? You get to relax with some hot cocoa or tea while your dryer does the hard work.

A little love goes a long way, especially when it comes to the appliances you rely on to simplify your life. By staying on top of these simple maintenance tips, you’re keeping your machine happy, while at the same time keeping your laundry days stress-free. And let’s face it, when winter rolls around, we’ve all got better things to do than deal with a sluggish dryer. So, take a few minutes now, and you can sit back and enjoy all the cozy moments that winter has to offer, without a second thought about your laundry.