Overview: This section of the lesson covers the drying process including how to:

• Re-sort the laundry between the washing cycle and the drying cycle,
• Clean the lint filter, and
• Set the dryer controls.

Re-Sort: As we did before we washed the laundry, we must now sort items coming out of the washing machine to pull out any items which should NOT be dried in the dryer. Again, the laundry care label will provide drying instructions. If no care label is present, refer to the General Laundry Care Instructions for the common fabric types back in the Sort section of the lesson.

Clean Lint Filter: It is very important to remember to clean out the dryer's lint filter after each load of laundry. Every dryer model has a slightly different type of lint filter. Some lint filters are placed in the door of the dryer while some are placed on the body of the dryer. As shown in the example at the right, this lint filter pulls out from the top of the dryer. Like all filters, this one is made of mesh that traps lint created during the drying process. It is a good habit to check the filter prior to each use to ensure that it was cleaned after the last load.

Set the Dryer Controls:

• Heat Setting: Most dryers have a range of temperature settings from low to high heat. Based on the recommended heat setting on the laundry care label for your load of laundry, set the appropriate heat setting on the machine.

• Dryer Cycle: Drying cycles vary by machine. While most standard dryers include at least three cycles, some models offer a range of options. In general, most dryers have gentle (or air dry), regular (or auto dry) and timed dry cycles. You will need to become familiar with the cycles available on your machine and do your best to find a setting that matches the recommended cycle settings on the laundry care labels.

• Start Control: While the start controls vary by machine model, most include a button that must be pushed or turned to begin the dry cycle. Remember that a typical cycle takes about 30 minutes at which time the dryer will automatically shut off. If you need to stop the dryer during the dry cycle, simply open the dryer door and the cycle will stop. You will need to again press or turn the start button to resume the cycle.