Is it true that fabric softeners ruin clothes dryers over time?

Question

I heard that the chemicals in dryer sheets ruin the heating elements in clothers dryers. Is this true or an urban myth?

Answer 1

I do not think that is true.  To verify myths and urban legends, go to www.snopes.com to check out whatever myth you can think of...just type your heading into their search-bar.

BTW...I advise you to wash out your lint-trap screen with liquid dish soap in the kitchen sink periodically (and then rinse with water! ;)...the dryer sheets can cause a film to build-up on the screens, which will not allow air to flow thru, which can result in potential fire hazard issues...or could just cause probems with your heating element in the dryer.

Answer 2

Time is more of a enemy on dryers than fabric softeners and after fifteen years on a old Maytag dryer that almost gets used every other day with dryer sheets I have yet to have a problem. Of coarse my husband has a military background and he has a thing of pulling appliances out and giving them a through cleaning which all home owners should practice.

Answer 3

It's definitely a myth

Answer 4

As Original stated, dryer sheets can build up a layer on the dryer screen that block proper airflow. Remove the screen at least twice a year and wash it out with soap and water.