How to start a dryer for the first time

Experienced washing machine users know that the first time they start their appliance, they need to be used in a specific way, otherwise they can be damaged. But what about the first time you start a dryer? Is it really possible to damage a drying machine if you start it incorrectly?

Let's find out how to set up a tumble dryer as safely as possible and how to use the appliance in general so that it lasts a long time and delights its owners with flawless operation.

Installation of new equipment

Before operating your dryer, be sure to read the user manual. Make this your reference book for the first few days. It will answer many of your questions.

Immediately after purchasing the dryer, the question of installing it will arise. The main advantage is that the user doesn't need to connect the dryer to a water supply or sewer line. All it needs is electricity. Just plug it into an outlet, and your new dryer is ready to go.

For convenience, you can connect the dryer to the sewer system with a special tube. This will allow for completely independent condensate removal. However, this is optional; in this case, the condensate will drain into a special container.

Please note that the dryer requires a separate outlet rated for increased load.

You cannot connect such equipment using tees or extension cords - this is extremely unsafe!

Dryer manufacturers always provide roughly the same advice in their instructions regarding the installation of this equipment:

• It is ideal to install the dryer next to the washing machine, this will make the use of both appliances as convenient as possible;
• It is best to place the dryer in an open, well-ventilated area, without blocking the air intakes;
• Place the dryer on a solid, level surface, ideally using a building level. Fix the legs well so that they do not unscrew;
• preparation for installation eliminates the need to dismantle the dryer legs;
• Do not place the dryer on carpets or similar surfaces. This restricts air circulation and may cause a fire.

After adjusting the dryer's body, be sure to double-check everything. You can rock the body manually and then observe the machine during a test run. If it vibrates or rocks excessively, you'll need to adjust the feet.

Let's start the dryer

If you're sure you've connected the dryer according to the instructions, you can proceed to a test run. Open the door, take a slightly damp cloth, and begin scrubbing the inside of the drum. It's important to remove any dust or other traces of dirt. Sometimes there are traces of grease or other dirt inside the drum that won't come off with a regular cloth. In this case, take a sponge, apply dishwashing liquid, and scrub away the stains until the inside of the drum is spotless.

Next, you can sort your freshly washed items and load them into the dryer. What expert advice should you consider?

• Place only damp, not wet, items in the dryer drum. If you're hand-washing items, place them in the dryer and run a separate spin cycle. Why? This will significantly reduce drying time and reduce the strain on the dryer's heating elements.
• Match your drying mode to the laundry you're loading. This will save you time, money, and keep your items safe.
• If your underwear has buttons or zippers, be sure to fasten them if you haven't already done so during the washing process.
• Check the instructions for items that should not be placed in the dryer. For example, items made of leather, imitation leather, rubber, and the like can be damaged in the drum and pose a fire hazard.
• Don't let your laundry dry for too long. Overdried fabrics won't iron properly, and they can also shrink by one or even two sizes.
• Open the hatch door only after the drum has completely stopped, otherwise you may scald your hands or face with steam. It is better to wait 2-3 minutes after turning off the machine, and then safely open the door.
• Don't put too much laundry in the machine drum, otherwise it won't dry well.

Overloading the dryer drum leads to its breakdown and subsequent costly repairs.

• After drying your clothes once or twice, be sure to remove the lint filter, which is located just behind the dryer door. Keep the filter clean at all times.

To completely clear up any questions about using your dryer for the first time, let's walk you through the process step by step. It's all very simple.

• First, make sure the machine's air intakes are clear, then plug the power cord into the socket.
• Sort the laundry and throw the first batch into the drum, taking into account the dryer's capacity. Sort the laundry thoroughly the first time; as you get more experienced, it will become easier.
• We distribute things inside as freely as possible and close the door.
• We activate the machine using the button and wait until the control panel with the required indicators lights up.
• Turn the selector to select the desired drying mode.
• We adjust the program using additional features or not. It all depends on the load and your preferences.
• We activate the selected program using a special button and that’s it, the process has begun.

All that's left is to wait for the results, but some users are impatient. After just 40 minutes, they start to think the machine is frozen, while a normal drying program can take two, three, or even four hours. It's important not to panic prematurely, but rather to allow the machine to do its job undisturbed.

So, the dryer has finished drying, the final tune has played, what next?

• For safety, completely de-energize the dryer.
• Only after switching off do we open the hatch door and take out the dry laundry.
• We check the condensate collection tank. If it's full, we empty it.
• We check and clean the filter element. Usually, after the first drying, it's covered in lint.

Now you need to inspect the drum and remove any lint, feathers, and other debris from inside. Leave the door open to allow the machine to air out. Don't overload the dryer. After two consecutive cycles, let the machine rest for at least 30 minutes.

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