Tumble dryer: how to clean the filters and heat exchanger step by step
A clogged filter or heat exchanger is the most common reason a dryer takes a long time or overheats. Cleaning takes about 15 minutes and costs nothing.
- Most common cause
- clogged lint filter or heat exchanger
- Time
- 15–20 minutes
- Service, if nothing helps
- 200–610 zł
Unplug the dryer and let it cool down, because the drum and the inside can be hot. The heat exchanger has sharp fins, so do not press on it hard and do not clean it with a wire brush. Never use the dryer without the filter.
Step by step
Empty the water tank
Take out the tank and pour away the water. In condenser and heat pump dryers, you need to do this after every cycle, because a full tank stops the program.
Clean the lint filter in the door
Pull the filter out of the door frame, remove the lint by hand and rinse it with water. Do this after every cycle. The filter must be dry before you put it back, because a wet mesh blocks the airflow.
Find the second filter or the filter under the drum
Many models have an extra filter near the heat exchanger or below the door. See the manual under “cleaning the filters” for details. Rinse it and dry it thoroughly.
Rinse the condenser (heat exchanger) under running water
This applies to models with a removable condenser, as described in the manual. Take it out as shown and rinse it with lukewarm water in the shower. Do not use brushes. In heat pump models, the heat exchanger is hidden behind a flap and is cleaned gently with a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner with a soft nozzle.
Vacuum the chamber and the door seal
Wipe the rubber seal around the door. Vacuum the area where the filter sits, so lint does not fall back inside.
Do not overload the drum, and restart
Load only as much as the manual says. Start a program. If the message comes back, a sensor or the condensate pump may be faulty.
- The filter or heat exchanger message comes back right after cleaning.
- You smell burning, or the clothes come out hot and wet at the same time.
- You see water under the dryer, or the tank does not fill.
- The dryer switches off during a program with an error code.
How much does a repair shop charge?
| Cleaning the heat exchanger at a service center | 160–340 zł |
| Replacing the condensate pump | 240–540 zł |
| Replacing the temperature or humidity sensor | 200–480 zł |
| Replacing the heating element or heat pump compressor | 410–1900 zł |
Typical prices at independent repair shops in Poland, October 2026. Authorised service centres and big cities can be more expensive.
Repair or buy new?
You can clean the filters yourself, and it is worth doing every time. If the problem keeps coming back, a service repair of the pump or sensor is usually worth it on a dryer no older than 7–8 years. Replacing a heat pump compressor can come close to the price of a new dryer, so check that in the calculator.
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Open the calculator →FAQ
How often should I clean the dryer filter?
After every cycle. The heat exchanger usually needs cleaning once every 1–3 months, depending on how often you use the dryer.
Can I wash the filter in the dishwasher?
Better not. Water and a soft brush are enough. Heat and detergent can damage the filter mesh.
Why does my dryer take too long?
Most often because of a clogged filter or heat exchanger, or an overloaded drum. Check these first, before you call a service.