Dexter Dryer Maintenance Guide
How to Clean the Burners and Exhaust on a Dexter Stack Dryer
Learn why burner and exhaust cleaning matters, where lint and debris may accumulate, what qualified service personnel typically inspect, and what the maintenance process generally involves.
Lint, dust, and debris can accumulate around the burners, burner housing, and exhaust system of a Dexter commercial dryer over time. Keeping these areas clean is an important part of commercial dryer preventive maintenance.
This guide explains why burner and exhaust cleaning matters, where lint and debris may accumulate, what qualified service personnel typically inspect, and what the maintenance process generally involves.
Dexter gas dryers contain gas, electrical, heating, and moving mechanical components. Disconnect electrical power, shut off the gas supply when applicable, allow the dryer to cool completely, and follow applicable lockout/tagout procedures before internal service. Burner and exhaust service should be performed by qualified service personnel using the applicable manufacturer service information.
Video Demonstration
Watch the video below for a visual demonstration of burner and exhaust cleaning on a Dexter stack dryer.
Video: Cleaning the Burners and Exhaust on the DDAD30 Stack Dryer
Dexter identifies the referenced service video specifically with the DDAD30 Stack Dryer. Other Dexter dryer models may have different burner arrangements, access points, and service requirements.
The embedded video is provided through YouTube as a general visual reference and remains subject to the rights of its respective owner. The written guide on this page was independently prepared by 123 Laundry Solutions for educational and informational purposes. Dexter dryer configurations, burner assemblies, burner access points, exhaust systems, and service procedures can vary by model and serial number. Always refer to the applicable manufacturer service information and safety procedures for your specific machine. Burner inspection, cleaning, exhaust maintenance, and related internal dryer service should be performed by qualified service personnel.
What Are the Burners in a Dexter Dryer?
The burners are part of the heating system in a gas Dexter commercial dryer. During normal operation, the burner system provides the heat used for the drying process.
Depending on the dryer model and configuration, the burner area may include:
Over time, lint, dust, and other debris can collect around these areas.
Dexter’s preventive-maintenance information for applicable dryers specifically calls for removing lint and dirt from areas around the burners and burner housing.
Why Is Dexter Dryer Burner Cleaning Important?
Commercial dryers can process many loads each day, producing a continuous amount of lint.
Although the lint screen captures much of this material, lint and dust can still accumulate in other areas of the dryer.
Dexter warns in its preventive-maintenance information that failure to keep the area around the burners and burner housing clean can allow lint buildup that creates a fire hazard.
Proper burner-area maintenance can help:
- Reduce excessive lint accumulation
- Keep burner areas free of debris
- Support proper dryer airflow
- Identify buildup before it becomes excessive
- Reveal visible damage or abnormal conditions during inspection
- Support reliable dryer operation
Burner cleaning should be considered part of a broader preventive-maintenance program rather than a solution for every dryer heating problem.
Where Can Lint Build Up Around the Burner System?
The exact areas vary by Dexter dryer model, but lint and debris may accumulate around:
- Main burner tubes
- Burner air ports
- Burner housing
- Areas above, below, and around the burners
- Nearby internal surfaces
- Lint-screen compartment
- Internal airflow areas
- Exhaust system
Dexter’s preventive-maintenance documentation includes cleaning around the burner housing, cleaning main burners on applicable models, and periodically checking the exhaust system for lint accumulation. Some model-specific maintenance schedules also call for removing lint from primary burner air ports.
Signs the Burner or Exhaust Area May Need Attention
Possible signs that a commercial dryer needs maintenance or further inspection can include:
- Visible lint or debris accumulation
- Longer-than-normal drying times
- Reduced or inconsistent heating
- Recurring overheating or Hi Temp conditions
- Unusual odors during operation
- Reduced airflow
- Excessive lint around accessible internal areas
- Recurring heating-related problems
Similar symptoms can be associated with the lint screen, exhaust system, airflow restrictions, ignition components, temperature controls, gas supply, or other dryer components. Proper diagnosis is important before parts are adjusted or replaced.
If there is a gas odor, smoke, visible scorching, damaged wiring, or another potentially unsafe condition, discontinue operation and have the dryer inspected by qualified service personnel.
Before Burner and Exhaust Service
Before internal service is performed, the dryer should be properly prepared according to the applicable manufacturer service information and facility safety procedures.
Important safety considerations include:
- Disconnect electrical power
- Shut off the gas supply when applicable
- Allow the dryer to cool completely
- Follow applicable lockout/tagout procedures
- Confirm the dryer model and serial number
- Review the applicable Dexter service and maintenance information
Burner service involves components associated with the dryer’s gas and heating systems. Internal burner cleaning should not be performed while the dryer is operating, energized, or hot. Gas-system diagnosis, adjustment, and internal repairs should be performed by qualified service personnel.
Dexter Dryer Burner & Exhaust Cleaning: Service Overview
The exact procedure depends on the Dexter dryer model and burner configuration.
The following provides a general overview of the major stages qualified service personnel may perform during burner and exhaust maintenance. It is not a substitute for the manufacturer’s service and maintenance procedures for the specific machine.
Prepare the Dryer for Service
Qualified service personnel prepare the dryer for internal service according to the applicable manufacturer procedure and facility safety requirements.
The dryer model and serial number should be confirmed so the appropriate service and maintenance information can be used.
Access the Burner Area
The appropriate service area is accessed so the burner assembly and surrounding burner housing can be inspected.
Access locations, panels, and burner configurations can vary between Dexter dryer models.
Inspect the Burners and Burner Housing
The burner tubes, burner air ports, burner housing, and surrounding areas may be inspected for conditions such as:
- Lint accumulation
- Dust and debris
- Visible obstruction
- Signs of excessive heat
- Damaged components
- Other abnormal conditions
Dexter includes removal of lint and dirt from around the burners and burner housing in preventive-maintenance information for applicable dryers.
Clean the Burner Area
Qualified service personnel clean the applicable burner components and surrounding areas according to the maintenance information for the specific dryer.
Depending on the model and maintenance schedule, attention may be given to lint and debris around the:
- Burner tubes
- Burner housing
- Burner air openings
- Nearby internal surfaces
Dexter’s maintenance documentation for applicable models includes periodic cleaning of the main burners. Some Dexter maintenance schedules also specifically call for removing lint accumulation from primary burner air ports.
This guide does not provide procedures for altering burner openings, changing gas pressure, modifying gas orifices, adjusting gas valves, or changing the burner’s air/gas mixture.
Inspect Related Airflow and Exhaust Areas
Burner operation is closely connected to the dryer’s overall airflow.
During maintenance, qualified personnel may also inspect applicable airflow and exhaust areas for excessive lint or restriction.
Depending on the dryer, these areas can include:
- Lint screen
- Lint-screen compartment
- Internal airflow passages
- Burner air openings
- Exhaust system
- Other areas identified by the manufacturer
A clean burner area alone may not correct a heating or drying problem if another part of the airflow or exhaust system is restricted.
Dexter’s preventive-maintenance information for applicable dryers includes periodic inspection and removal of lint accumulation from the exhaust system.
Reassemble and Verify Dryer Operation
After the appropriate cleaning and inspection are completed, accessed components, panels, and guards are returned to their proper positions according to the applicable service procedure.
Qualified service personnel can then verify normal dryer operation and check for abnormal conditions.
Depending on the machine and service procedure, this may include evaluating:
- Heating operation
- Airflow
- Operating sound
- Unusual odors
- Abnormal temperature conditions
- Other indications that additional service may be necessary
Any unresolved abnormal condition should be properly diagnosed before the dryer is returned to regular service.
How Often Should Dexter Dryer Burners Be Cleaned?
Maintenance intervals depend on the Dexter dryer model, configuration, usage, and operating environment.
For example, one Dexter preventive-maintenance document for applicable commercial stack washer-dryers specifies:
| Maintenance Area | Example Schedule |
|---|---|
| Lint screen | Daily |
| Burner and burner-housing area | Monthly |
| Primary burner air ports | Quarterly |
| Main burners | Biannually |
| Exhaust system | Annually |
These intervals are examples from a particular Dexter maintenance document and should not be assumed to apply to every Dexter dryer. The maintenance schedule for the specific model and serial number should take priority.
Dexter maintains model-specific technical information, service manuals, and preventive-maintenance documents that can be used to identify the applicable requirements for a particular machine.
Burner Cleaning vs. Burner Repair
Burner cleaning and burner repair are not the same service.
Cleaning generally addresses lint, dust, dirt, and debris identified during preventive maintenance.
Further diagnosis or repair may be necessary if inspection identifies conditions such as:
- Damaged burner components
- Ignition problems
- Abnormal heating
- Recurring burner-related problems
- Damaged wiring
- Gas-system problems
- Persistent airflow restrictions
- Other abnormal conditions
A heating problem should not automatically be treated as a dirty-burner problem. Likewise, gas-system components should not be adjusted simply because a dryer is taking longer than normal to dry a load. The underlying cause should be properly diagnosed.
What About the Burner Orifices?
Burner orifices are part of the dryer’s gas system and require particular care.
Dexter preventive-maintenance information for applicable dryer models includes periodic examination of the orifices for dirt or obstruction.
Routine burner cleaning should not be treated as an opportunity to alter, enlarge, modify, or otherwise change an orifice. Gas-system inspection, diagnosis, adjustment, and repair should follow the manufacturer’s specifications for the specific dryer and be performed by qualified service personnel.
Don’t Forget the Exhaust System
The burner area is only one part of the dryer’s airflow path.
Lint accumulation within the exhaust system can restrict airflow and affect dryer operation. Dexter’s preventive-maintenance information for applicable commercial dryers includes periodic inspection and removal of lint from the exhaust system.
Keeping one area clean does not compensate for a restriction elsewhere in the dryer airflow system.
Don’t Forget the Lint Screen
Burner and exhaust maintenance does not replace routine lint-screen cleaning.
Dexter’s preventive-maintenance schedules identify lint-screen cleaning as a daily maintenance task on applicable commercial dryers. Dexter also notes that inadequate lint-screen maintenance can slow drying and increase gas use and dryer temperatures.
The dryer should not be operated without its required lint screen properly in place.
Preventive Maintenance Tips
Routine preventive maintenance can help identify excessive lint accumulation and other abnormal conditions before they contribute to unexpected dryer downtime.
Good maintenance practices include:
- Clean the lint screen according to the manufacturer’s schedule
- Watch for unusual changes in drying time
- Keep areas around the burners and burner housing free of excessive lint
- Investigate unusual odors or heating behavior
- Have burner components inspected according to the applicable maintenance schedule
- Have applicable airflow and exhaust areas inspected for lint accumulation
- Address recurring heating or Hi Temp problems rather than repeatedly restarting the machine
- Follow the preventive-maintenance schedule for the specific Dexter dryer model
Maintenance requirements vary according to the machine, installation, usage, and operating environment.
Need Dexter Dryer Replacement Parts?
If inspection identifies a worn or damaged component, 123 Laundry Solutions supplies OEM and replacement parts for many Dexter commercial dryers.
Depending on the dryer model, available parts may include:
If you’re unsure which replacement part fits your Dexter dryer, have the model and serial number ready so compatibility can be confirmed before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the burners do in a Dexter dryer?
The burners are part of the heating system in a gas Dexter commercial dryer and provide heat during the drying process.
Why should the area around Dexter dryer burners be cleaned?
Lint, dust, and debris can accumulate around the burners and burner housing. Dexter includes cleaning these areas in preventive-maintenance information for applicable dryers and warns that excessive lint buildup in this area can create a fire hazard.
How often should Dexter dryer burners be cleaned?
It depends on the specific dryer. For example, one Dexter maintenance schedule calls for monthly cleaning around the burners and burner housing, quarterly removal of lint from primary burner air ports, and biannual cleaning of the main burners. These intervals should not be applied universally; always use the maintenance schedule for the specific dryer.
Can dirty burners cause longer drying times?
Burner-area contamination or airflow restriction may contribute to poor dryer performance, but longer drying times can have many causes. The lint screen, exhaust system, airflow, ignition system, temperature controls, gas system, or other components may also need evaluation.
Is burner cleaning the same as lint-screen cleaning?
No. Lint-screen cleaning is routine maintenance performed much more frequently on applicable dryers. Burner cleaning involves internal areas of the dryer and should follow the applicable manufacturer service and safety information.
Does burner cleaning include the exhaust system?
They are separate maintenance areas, but both relate to dryer airflow and preventive maintenance. Dexter specifically titles the referenced DDAD30 service video “Cleaning the Burners and Exhaust on the DDAD30 Stack Dryer.”
Can I clean the burners myself?
Routine lint-screen maintenance is different from internal burner service. Burner service can involve access to gas, electrical, heating, and other internal dryer components. Internal burner and exhaust service should be performed by qualified service personnel using the applicable manufacturer service information.
Should the gas system be adjusted while cleaning the burners?
Routine burner cleaning should not be treated as a reason to change gas-system settings. Gas pressure, gas valves, orifices, burner configuration, and related components should remain within the manufacturer’s specifications and should be diagnosed or serviced by qualified personnel.
Need Help Finding the Right Dexter Dryer Parts?
If inspection identifies a worn burner, ignition, airflow, heating, or other dryer component, 123 Laundry Solutions can help identify compatible replacement parts using your Dexter dryer model and serial number.