Maintaining your dryer properly helps you dry more efficiently, ensures it continues to work safely, and keeps your clothes looking good for longer. Important components to clean regularly include the condenser and the lint filter.

In this blog, we walk you through how to clean your tumble dryer step by step. You'll find answers to questions such as:

• What can I use to clean a dryer?

• Can I use vinegar to clean my dryer?

• How do I remove lint from my dryer?

• Where is the dryer's condenser located?

• How often should I clean the dryer's condenser?

• How do I clean the inside of a dryer?

We also cover maintenance tips for Bosch dryers.

Jump to:

• Preparation dryer cleaning

• Clean dryer filter

• Clean dryer condenser

• Clean dryer interior

• Clean dryer heat exchanger

• Clean dryer moisture sensor

• Clean dryer back

• Bosch dryer cleaning / maintenance

• Tips & maintenance

Preparation dryer cleaning

Make the right preparations so cleaning your dryer is quick and easy.

Ensure the parts of the dryer are easily accessible. Switch off the dryer and let it cool down completely. Want to be completely safe? Unplug the power cord before you start cleaning.

What can you use to clean the dryer?

You do not need much to clean the dryer properly. A cloth, some water and a mild cleaning agent are often enough.

Have this ready in advance:

• Microfibre cloth

• Soft brush or old toothbrush

• Natural vinegar

• Vacuum cleaner with narrow nozzle

Can you use vinegar to clean the dryer?

Yes. You can wipe the drum with a damp cloth and a cleaning solution based on natural vinegar.

Never use aggressive cleaning agents or sharp objects to clean the dryer.

1. Clean dryer filter

Regularly removing lint prevents fire hazards, shortens drying time and ensures the best drying results. How do you remove lint from the dryer?

Step by step:

1. Open the door and remove all lint with a dry or slightly damp cloth on the inside of the door

2. Pull out the (two-part) lint filter, located at the bottom in front of the drum

3. Remove lint in and around the filter housing

4. Separate the two parts of the lint filter

5. Remove all lint from both parts

6. Rinse remaining lint with warm water

7. Dry the filter completely and close it

8. Repeat this with the other filter

9. Put the filters back in place

How often should you clean the lint filter?

Remove lint after every drying cycle, if your dryer does not have auto clean. This prevents fire hazards and keeps the dryer working efficiently.

2. Clean dryer condenser

Where is the dryer condenser? That depends on the dryer type.

Heat pump dryer

The condenser is built in and usually cannot be removed. Access is usually at the front bottom, behind a grille. Clean it by removing dust from the grille and air inlet with a soft brush, toothbrush or vacuum with a narrow nozzle.

Condenser dryer

The condenser is removable, usually behind a flap at the bottom. Remove it and rinse under lukewarm water to remove dust and lint. Allow it to dry fully before replacing.

Self-cleaning condenser

Some heat pump or condenser dryers have a self-cleaning condenser that rinses automatically during drying.

How often should you clean the condenser?

At least once a month. If you use the dryer intensively, every two weeks.

3. Clean dryer interior

A clean drum keeps laundry fresh and prevents odours.

Step by step:

1. Wipe the drum with a soft, slightly damp microfibre cloth; add a drop of mild detergent if needed to remove grease and softener residue

2. Clean the door and rubber seals thoroughly, as lint and moisture often accumulate here, which can cause mould

3. Check the moisture sensors (metal strips) in the drum and wipe with a cloth and vinegar to ensure accurate drying times

4. Let everything dry completely before using the dryer again

Does the interior smell?

Wipe the drum with a damp cloth and a solution of vinegar or lemon.

How often?

Once a month with average use.

4. Clean dryer heat exchanger

A dirty heat exchanger increases drying time, energy consumption and costs, and reduces drying results.

Step by step:

1. Open the flap of the heat exchanger (usually front bottom), often secured with a clip or knob

2. Pull the heat exchanger straight out, noting or photographing its position for reinstallation

3. Rinse on all sides under lukewarm running water, from back to front (against the airflow)

4. Remove lint between the thin metal fins with a soft brush

5. Shake off excess water carefully

6. Let dry upright at room temperature for a few hours

7. Replace it as before and close the flap

How often?

Once a month with average use.

Signs of a dirty heat exchanger:

• Drying takes much longer than usual

• The dryer shows error codes or stops unexpectedly

• The dryer gets hotter than normal

5. Clean dryer moisture sensor

Residue from softener and other deposits can cause the dryer to think laundry is already dry and stop too early.

Step by step:

1. locate the moisture sensor, usually two metal strips or rods inside the drum, often near or above the lint filter

2. wipe with a damp cloth with a little vinegar or mild detergent

3. dry with a clean cloth

How often?

Once every two months with average use. If used frequently, once a month.

6. Clean dryer back

Dust build-up at the back can affect airflow and performance.

Step by step:

1. Ensure access to the back of the dryer, moving it if necessary (careful with hose and power cable)

2. Remove dust from vents, openings and cables with a cloth or vacuum, working top to bottom

3. Avoid touching electrical components

4. Wipe the exterior with a dry cloth; use a damp cloth for stains and dry afterwards

5. Place the dryer back carefully, ensuring hose and cable are in place

6. Plug it back in

How often?

Once or twice a year. More often if the home is dusty or the dryer is in a small, poorly ventilated space.

Bosch dryer maintenance

Cleaning a Bosch dryer Series 4, 6 or 8 is largely the same as the steps described above.

Maintenance tips for Bosch dryers (in Dutch)

Cleaning the moisture sensor of a Bosch dryer

First check the manual to see if instructions are provided. If not, or in addition, you can follow this step-by-step guide.

Cleaning the Bosch self-cleaning condenser

A Bosch dryer with a self-cleaning condenser rinses itself during the drying process. In practice, however, dirt and lint can still build up over time. Want the dryer to keep working efficiently? Check and clean the self-cleaning condenser, and the surrounding area, from time to time.

Cleaning the Bosch dryer lint filter (in Dutch)

Tips & maintenance

By maintaining your dryer properly and regularly, you reduce cleaning time and extend its lifespan. You also ensure it operates optimally, as efficiently as possible, and always delivers perfectly dry laundry.

Our dryer care and maintenance tips:

• Use mild cleaning products such as water, washing-up liquid or natural vinegar, or opt for specially developed Bosch dryer cleaning products.

• Spin laundry at 1400 rpm before placing it in the dryer. 1600 rpm can be too high for delicate fabrics. The drier the laundry, the shorter the drying time, the less strain on the dryer, and the longer it lasts. Always check the care label first.

• Do not overload the drum with large loads, as this reduces drying results and increases wear.

• Familiarise yourself with the drying programmes so you know which programme to choose for the best results and reduced wear.

• Leave the door open after use to prevent mould and unpleasant odours.

After each drying cycle:

• Clean the lint filter.

• Check the door seal for hairs and debris and remove them.

• Empty the condensation water tank.

Emptying the condensation water tank of a Bosch dryer (in Dutch)