Households across the UK could be wasting hundreds of pounds each year by overlooking a simple maintenance task for a common appliance. According to consumer champions, performing one easy job every time you use your tumble dryer can significantly cut its running costs and reduce a serious safety hazard.
The Cost of Ignoring Your Lint Filter
Tumble dryers are a winter essential for drying clothes, bedding, and towels, but they are notorious for their high energy consumption. Data highlighted by Ideal Home shows that the typical annual running cost for a vented tumble dryer is £184.44, while a condenser model averages £178.93 per year.
With many families looking to trim household bills, experts at Which? have pinpointed a straightforward way to reduce this expense. They advise that cleaning the appliance's lint filter after every single cycle is crucial for efficiency and safety.
How a Dirty Filter Drives Up Bills and Danger
The lint filter, usually found just inside the dryer door, catches fluff and fibres from your laundry. When this filter becomes clogged, it restricts the flow of hot air inside the drum.
"This makes the dryer work harder than it needs to and will cost you more," the consumer specialists explained. The increased strain forces the machine to use more energy to dry a load, directly impacting your electricity bill.
More alarmingly, a blocked filter also presents a fire risk. "With air not circulating freely in the drum, the already very high drum temperature could rise," warned Which?. "With a machine full of fabrics, this poses a fire risk." While dryers have safety mechanisms, the experts noted that many domestic fires are caused by overheating tumble dryers.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Filter Maintenance
Maintaining a clean filter is a quick and easy habit to adopt. It should be cleared after every use and given a deeper clean once a month.
After Each Use:
- Locate and remove the filter, typically just inside the dryer door.
- Remove the lint by peeling it off with your hand and rolling it into a ball for easy disposal.
- Dispose and replace the lint in the bin, then securely slot the clean filter back in place. The dryer cannot operate safely without it.
Monthly Deep Clean:
- Ensure the tumble dryer is switched off and completely cool.
- Remove the filter and take it to a sink. Rinse it under warm water and apply mild dish soap.
- Gently scrub with a soft brush to remove any waxy residue or stubborn build-up.
- Let the filter dry thoroughly before placing it back into the machine.
Adopting this simple routine is a powerful way to enhance your home's energy efficiency and safety this winter, keeping both your wallet and your household protected.
