How to clean tumble dryer filters and the condenser

In short

Clean the fluff filter after every load and check you can see light through it. On condenser and heat pump dryers, empty the water tank after each cycle and check the condenser or heat exchanger at least monthly, cleaning off fluff as your manual shows. Wear gloves on heat pump fins.

How often

Fluff filter: after every load (AEG, Hotpoint and Electrical Safety First all say this). Condenser: AEG says to check it at least once a month. Water tank: after every cycle unless your dryer drains through a hose.

Step by step

Stop and call an engineer instead if:
  • You smell burning, see smoke or scorch marks, or the appliance trips your electrics. Stop using it, and switch it off at the wall only if it is safe to reach. Otherwise switch off at the consumer unit.
  • The next step would mean removing a cover or panel, or working on the pump, valves, heater, motor, door lock or wiring. That is a job for a qualified engineer.

Clean the fluff (lint) filter

  1. Open the door and pull out the fluff filter. On most models it sits in the door opening.
  2. Open it and remove the fluff with your fingers. Use a vacuum cleaner for heavy build-up, and clear fluff from the filter slot and door seal too.
  3. Hold the filter up to the light. If you can’t see through it, residue is blocking it. Wash it under running water and let it dry.
  4. Refit it fully. Do this after every load.

Never run the dryer without the filter fitted.

Replace a torn filter rather than using it.

Clean the condenser or heat exchanger Take care

Before you start
  • Switch off and unplug the appliance at the wall socket before you touch hoses, filters or the back of the machine. Make sure your hands and the plug area are dry.
Tumble dryer filter, tank and condenser Water tank empty after every cycle Fluff filter in the door opening Condenser cover condenser/heat pump only
Tumble dryer filter, tank and condenser. Positions vary by model — check your manual.
  1. Condenser and heat pump dryers only. Open the condenser cover as your manual shows.
  2. Heat pump dryers: remove fluff from the heat exchanger with a damp cloth or a vacuum brush attachment. Wear gloves, because the metal fins are sharp, and don’t bend them.
  3. Condenser dryers: if your model has a removable condenser block, slide it out level so it doesn’t spill, rinse it through over a basin, and refit it.
  4. Close and lock the cover. Check the condenser at least once a month.

Don’t run the dryer with a condenser blocked by fluff.

Empty the water tank and seat it properly

  1. Condenser and heat pump dryers only. Pull the water tank out slowly and keep it upright. The water may be warm.
  2. Empty it into a sink and push it fully back into place. A tank that isn’t seated properly won’t collect water.
  3. Empty it after every cycle, unless your dryer drains through a hose.

Problems this helps with

Sources

Last checked against these sources: .

We write every page in our own words from manufacturer guidance and check it against the sources above. If your manual says something different, follow your manual. How we check.