The 6 Most Common Dryer Problems (and How to Fix Them!)

by Devon Puryear in

Today, a dryer should last somewhere around ten years but many homeowners begin to experience problems long before that point. Naturally, this is very frustrating since the machines tend to be expensive and necessary to keep life going. 

Luckily, there is a lot you can do to prevent issues or catch problems early to get the necessary dryer repair done. This way you can continue using your machine for years without needing a replacement. The key is catching the problem as soon as possible to minimize the damage. 

We've put together a list of the six most common dryer problems and how to diagnose each issue to help you keep your dryer running smoothly!

1. Clothes Stay Wet

Obviously, the clearest sign that the dryer isn't working is when the cycle shuts off and the clothes are still wet! The machine becomes pretty useless at that point and leaves you with a big predicament in getting your clothes clean. 

On occasion, this can be due to the lint filter being too full, which blocks the air from flowing and drying the clothes. That's an easy fix of cleaning out the filter on a more regular basis before a major buildup can happen. This is also an important safety practice to avoid fires. 

If your lint filter is cleared and the clothes still come out wet, the dryer could be having an issue with the venting system, temperature gauge, or heating element. It's a good idea to get those things checked out by a professional. 

2. Everything is Wrinkly  

Similarly, if you open your dryer when it's done running and everything inside is dry but wrinkly- you have a problem! A few wrinkles are one thing, especially if the clothes have sat in the dryer for an extended period of time after the cycle. But you should expect clothes to come out smooth and semi-pressed with a functioning dryer. 

This issue is most often tied to the heating element. In order for the wrinkles to be worked out, the clothing has to get to a very high temperature overall. To check this part, simply remove it from the machine and look for any visible damage. 

If you see any breaks in the wires, it's time to replace the whole element to get your dryer functioning properly again. 

3. Excessive Noise 

It's true that a completely silent dryer is basically impossible and nonexistent. Every machine generally has a normal hum as it runs through its cycle, this noise isn't anything to be alarmed by. 

But if you start to hear loud, squeaking, excessive noise that's outside of that simple hum, there's a good chance you have a broken dryer on your hands. This is the perfect time to work through some general maintenance steps like inspecting all of the parts and cleaning things up to see if that gets the noise to stop. 

Sometimes a suspicious noise can be fixed really quickly by tightening things up or removing an obstacle. Other times, it's more serious and should be looked at by a professional. 

4. Getting Too Hot 

A lot of homeowners have the question of 'how to diagnose my dryer issue', which can sometimes be a complicated answer to find. On the other hand, it can also be very simple at other times. Like when the dryer is getting too hot. 

When your clothes come out of the cycle with burn marks or holes in them, you know that the heating element or temperature gauge are not regulating properly. Generally, a dryer should stick within the standard temperature range and when it doesn't it can cause a lot of damage, raise your energy bill, and be dangerous. 

A new heating element or temperature gauge should do the trick for resolving this issue. 

5. Machine Vibrates and Moves 

There's a curious phenomenon that occurs with washers or dryers that are having issues, where they move as they go through a cycle. It's a strange thing to walk into your laundry room to see everything shifted a few inches forward or backward. 

This movement is caused by excessive vibration and can end up damaging the vents, your walls, or even the machine itself if not taken care of quickly. 

Normally, this shaking is related to the whole dryer either being off-balance or out of sync. First, check to make sure the dryer is stable, that there's no damage to the feet, and that the machine is level. If all of those things check out, it's time to call in a professional for a more thorough inspection. 

6. Turns Off Too Early

Most dryers are equipped with a moisture and heat sensor, which is how they know how long to run for and when your clothes are completely dry. Occasionally, this sensor can be messed up and the dryer will turn off too soon. 

When this is the case, you may need to replace the sensors so that the machine can better read how dry the clothes are. 

Sometimes, the sensor isn't the problem and you need to check the power source itself. This can be a much more involved task and should be handled by a professional. The best thing you can do to prevent this kind of issue is to have the machine regularly serviced by a professional so it stays in tip-top shape! 

When You Need Dryer Repair 

When you notice an issue with your machine and think you may need dryer repair assistance, it's best to call your trusted professionals to get the job done. They have the knowledge, tools, and expertise necessary to get your systems back up and running as quickly as possible.

The key to reducing the stress and anxiety that comes with being a homeowner is teaming up with an appliance maintenance team you have full confidence in. Let them handle any issue that comes up while you sit back and relax!

If you're in need of any home appliance service or repairs, contact us today to set up an appointment! 

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