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Written by Rebecca Mecomber; Updated December 14, 2018

• Kenmore 600 Series Dryer Manual
• Kenmore Series 600s Washer
• Kenmore 600s Clean Washer Instructions
• Kenmore 500 Series Washer Manual

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The U.S. Fire Administration estimates that more than 15,000 structure fires in the United States are caused by clothes dryers. You can substantially reduce the chance of a dryer fire with simple lint screen and vent duct maintenance. Clothes dryer manufacturers recommend that you clean out your lint screen vent between dryer loads and inspect your dryer vent ducts weekly for clogged lines. Front loader dryers often display a warning signal when the lint screen needs changing. If your front loader dryer vent is clean of lint but the console displays a check filter warning, the vent duct line is clogged.

Clear the Lint Screen

1. Locate the lint screen on the dryer; they are usually inside the dryer door at the base of the opening.

2. Pull the tab on the screen to lift the filter straight up out of the dryer.

3. Scoop the lint from the filter and discard. If the screen filter feels waxy or sticky, wash the screen in warm soapy water and dry thoroughly. The waxy buildup is formed from fabric softener sheets. If you regularly use these sheets, wash the lint screen periodically.

Clear the Dryer Vent Ducts

1. Locate the exterior exhaust hood to the dryer, if possible. The exhaust hood is usually on an exterior wall opposite the dryer. Unscrew the exterior exhaust hood from the house siding. Inspect the opening with the flashlight for any insects or pests. Scoop out any lint from the exhaust hood and set it aside.

2. Unplug the dryer from the power source. Pull the dryer away from the wall.

3. Unscrew the clamp that holds the dryer vent hose to the exhaust duct in the wall. Gently pull the hose from the duct and set it down.

4. Remove the lint screen filter from the front of the dryer. Insert the nylon dryer vent brush into the filter cavity and through the internal vent hose inside the dryer unit. This action will push the lint through the internal portion of the hose and expel lint out of the other end that you had detached from the vent pipe. Dispose of the lint.

5. Insert the vent brush into the vent pipe in the wall. Push the lint through the duct until it is expelled outside through the exhaust hood opening. For very long runs of ducting, connect the nylon brush to an extension rod for straight runs of ducting or an extension cable for curved ducting.

6. Replace the vent hose to the vent duct with the clamp. Push the dryer back into place and plug in the dryer.

7. Replace the exterior exhaust hood and screw it into place.

Things You Will Need

• Warm, soapy water

• Flashlight

• Screwdriver

• Flexible nylon vent brush

• Extension rod or cable

Tip

Wear a dust mask to prevent breathing in dust and other particles.

Warning

Never operate the dryer without the lint screen filter in place.

To prevent lint buildup and reduce the chance of fire, instal only United Laboratories (UL) listed rigid metal or spiral-wound aluminum hose to vent the dryer. Do not use plastic white vinyl hose, as this material may ignite or fill with lint buildup.

About the Author

Rebecca Mecomber, a former radio broadcaster, has been a professional blogger and writer since 2006. Her articles and interviews have appeared in 'The Wall Street Journal,' Salon.com and several other publications, covering topics such as Federal Trade Commission policy and media regulations, blogging, home improvement and New York travel.

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ACCESS TO BELT TENSIONER,REAR BEARING OR GAS BURNER

Each of these components has its own access panel:

The gas burner access panel is located in the lower right front of the cabinet. To open, push in on the top of the panel. The bottom is on nylon snaps and will pop off. Then just lift the panel out.

The belt tensioner is accessed through the bottom panel of the back of the dryer.

The rear drum support bearing is accessed through the small panel in the center of the back of the dryer. In newer style machines, there is no access panel; you simply remove the cabinet top and front and slide the drum out.

Kenmore 600 Series Dryer Manual

CABINET FRONT PANEL AND DRUM GLIDES

Several different methods have been used to fasten the front panel to the cabinet top (figure GE-3). Unscrew the screws or pop the catches and lift the lid of the dryer.

NOTE: If you are testing the heaters of rear-heater models, the terminals are accessible at this point. Look to the rear of the drum on the right side. You can test them as described in section 4-6. In bottom-heater models, you must remove the front panel as described below to test the heater element.

Loosen, but do not remove, the two screws at the bottom front corners of the front panel of the cabinet.

Unscrew the two screws at the top front corners inside the cabinet. Disconnect any door switch wires and lift off the front panel of the dryer.

You can replace the belt at this point, without removing the drum. Release the belt tension as described in section 4-4. You can slip the belt between the drum and the glides.

Once the cabinet front panel is off, inspect the blower wheel at the lower left corner of the dryer for foreign debris, excessive lint or broken blades.

Kenmore Series 600s Washer

The blower hub has a two-piece clamp which will fall apart if you remove it, so do not remove the hub clamp unless you plan to remove the whole motor and blower housing assembly as described in section 4-4.

Kenmore 600s Clean Washer Instructions

Also while the cabinet front panel is off, inspect the felt seal inside the front panel for wear, excessive lint, or any debris that might be stuck to it.

Kenmore 500 Series Washer Manual

Remove and inspect the front drum support glides as shown in figure GE-4. Newer models have three glides attached to the inside of the front panel. Whether they're badly worn or not, it's a good idea to replace them as cheap insurance against future problems.