Checklist
Washer and dryer maintenance checklist
This is for anyone whose laundry smells, dries slowly or wears out too fast, and wants to rule out the machines first. It groups simple upkeep by how often it is needed. Your machine manual comes first, because cleaning cycles, parts and cautions differ by model.
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Why these tasks
The dryer ones matter most for safety. The United States Fire Administration reports that lint, dust and fiber are the items most likely to ignite in a clothes dryer fire, and it advises cleaning the lint filter before and after each cycle and cleaning the vent pipe once a year, or sooner if drying takes longer than normal. It also advises against running a dryer without its filter and checking behind the dryer for a damaged or crushed vent.
The washer tasks protect clothes and prevent odor. Front-loading washers seal tightly against leaks, which also traps moisture, so leaving the door ajar between loads is common manufacturer advice. Excess detergent leaves residue in the drawer, seal and drum, so the label dose is worth following; the detergent supply calculator shows what overpouring costs.
Limits
This is a general list. Some washers use a self-clean cycle, some want a specific cleaner, and some say not to use bleach, so follow your manual. Do not take a dryer or washer apart yourself beyond what the manual shows. Gas dryers, wiring and venting faults are jobs for a qualified technician.
Where this comes from
We checked the United States Fire Administration clothes dryer fire safety guidance (lint filter every cycle, vent cleaning at least yearly, damaged vent checks) and Energy Star clothes washer guidance on detergent and washer care. The door-ajar and monthly cleaning steps are common manufacturer instructions that vary by model, so treat the manual as the authority.