Sarah Mitchell Key Takeaways
- Clean the lint trap before every load — lint buildup is the leading cause of dryer fires
- Have the exhaust vent professionally cleaned annually to prevent fire hazards
- Clean moisture sensors with rubbing alcohol to maintain accurate drying and prevent over-drying
- Check the exhaust vent hood outside your home — ensure the flap opens freely during operation
The Bottom Line
Dryer maintenance is as much about safety as it is about performance. Lint trap cleaning before every load and annual vent cleaning are non-negotiable tasks that prevent fires and extend dryer life.
LG dryer maintenance — here's what you need to know.
Dryer maintenance is critically important — not just for appliance longevity, but for home safety. Clogged dryer vents cause approximately 15,000 house fires in the US each year. Here's the complete maintenance routine for your LG dryer.
Clean the Lint Trap Every Load
This is the most basic and most important dryer maintenance task. Remove the lint screen before or after every load and peel off the lint. A clogged lint screen restricts airflow, increases drying times, raises energy consumption, and creates a fire hazard. Once a month, wash the lint screen with warm soapy water and a soft brush to remove dryer sheet residue that creates an invisible film blocking airflow — even when the screen looks clean.
Clean the Exhaust Vent Annually
The exhaust vent duct running from your dryer to the exterior of your home accumulates lint over time. This is the primary fire hazard. Have the vent professionally cleaned at least once a year, or more often if you do heavy laundry loads. Signs the vent needs cleaning: clothes take longer than usual to dry, the dryer runs hot to the touch, a burning smell during operation, or the exterior vent flap doesn't open when the dryer runs. Professional vent cleaning costs From $100 and is money well spent.
Maintain the Moisture Sensors
LG dryers use moisture sensor bars inside the drum (usually two metal strips near the lint trap) to detect when clothes are dry. Dryer sheet residue coats these sensors over time, causing them to misread moisture levels — resulting in over-drying or cycles ending too early. Clean the sensors monthly with rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth. This simple step keeps auto-dry cycles accurate and prevents unnecessary wear on your clothes.
Check the Drum and Interior
Periodically inspect the inside of the drum for loose objects — coins, paper clips, and buttons can damage the drum and lint screen. Check the drum seals (felt strips around the drum edges) for wear — damaged seals let lint bypass the filter and accumulate in the dryer cabinet, increasing fire risk. If you notice black marks on clothes, the drum seal may need replacement.
Keep the Area Clear
Maintain clearance around your LG dryer for proper ventilation. Don't store flammable items (cleaning products, rags, cardboard) on or near the dryer. Ensure the dryer has at least 4 inches of clearance from the wall to prevent the exhaust hose from being crushed. Use rigid or semi-rigid metal duct for the exhaust vent — never use plastic or foil accordion-style ducts, which trap lint and are fire hazards.