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HIGH AND DRY

People are only just realizing why clothes come out of the tumble dryer still damp

NOTHING is worse than laundry that has not fully dried.

Improperly dried laundry is an issue virtually every adult has dealt with at one time or another.

Clean laundry should be fully dried after a go in the tumble dryer
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Clean laundry should be fully dried after a go in the tumble dryerCredit: Getty

One laundry expert broke down the reasons why laundry may still be damp after a round (or two) in the tumble dryer.

taught aspiring laundry pros how to get crisp, dry, clean laundry every time.

First, the integrity of the lint screen must be assessed.

"Clean the lint screen more often," she advised.

It is best to clean the lint screen on your tumble dryer after each use. But Lewis did not stop at simply cleaning the screen.

"Clean around the lint screen, too," she added.

Lint not only builds up on the screen itself, but often gets trapped around the screen. Clean in and around the screen to assure that all trapped lint is removed.

In addition to cleaning the screen, Lewis also suggested keeping the entire machine pristine for optimal functioning.

"Clean behind and around your dryer," she said. "Trapped moisture, dust, and lint can build up in the space behind the dryer."

If a good vacuum did not do the trick, she advised to check the outside air vent.

"Get in the habit of occasionally taking a look at the vent to make sure it's not obstructed," she added.

If the vent is obstructed, Lewis recommended also giving the air duct a look to ensure it is free from lint and other debris.

She advised to clean in and around the lint tray
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She advised to clean in and around the lint trayCredit: Getty

"If it has lint buildup, you can clear it while the dryer is unplugged using a brush specifically designed for this kind of ducting," she said.

In general, cleaning your tumble dryer should be a regular habit to keep the machine operating to its best capability.

She told laundry dunces to wipe down the inside of the machine once a month.

Placement of the dryer also affects the operation of the mechanism.

"Using the leveling feet to keep the dryer on all four points of contact can help prevent problems in the future," she wrote.

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Finally, she provided tried and true advice — don't load too much laundry at a time.

"Doing manageable sized loads of laundry will keep it in better shape for longer," she wrote.

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