5 Common Troubleshooting Steps for Clothes Dryers

A broken clothes dryer can be a disaster for your laundry routine and, if something is very wrong, for your bank account too. Sometimes, however, the problems with your clothes dryer can be solved with a simple fix. That’s why we’ve put together this clothes dryer troubleshooting guide!

Problem: Strange Marks on Your Clothes

If your dryer is leaving black marks on your clothes, there are a few troubleshooting options you can check. It’s possible that your dryer’s drum belt, usually found in the front and back of the dryer, is damaged or worn out. 

If your dryer’s drum belt is in good condition, it’s also worth checking the drum gliders. These are usually two plastic shields found on the outer edge of the drum. If these wear out, they create a space in the drum that clothes can get trapped in and stained by. 

Problem: Dryer won’t heat up

Your dryer needs heat in order to quickly dry your clothes, so if it’s not heating up it won’t be very effective. Dryers that won’t heat up often have a broken fuse in the plug – simply check the plug’s fuses and replace them if need be.

It’s also possible that your dryer’s thermal fuse has blown. The thermal fuse is a safety device that stops your dryer from overheating. If the thermal fuse has blown, your dryer may not heat up or even switch on. Use your dryer’s manual to locate and check the fuse and replace it if need be. 

Problem: Dryer is making a strange noise

Stranges noises from our appliances is always a cause for concern, but sometimes it’s a simple problem that you can fix yourself. If your dryer is making a thumping noise, it might not be level. You can adjust the dryer legs to ensure that the dryer is sitting evenly on every side. Thumping can also be caused by knotted clothing, so make sure clothes are loose when you put them in the dryer. 

Strange noises from your dryer can also occur when objects get stuck in the dryer’s drums. Use a flashlight to inspect the drums and remove objects – common ones are coins and buttons. Always check the pockets of your clothes before putting them in the dryer. 

Problem: Dryer won’t start

If your dryer won’t start, it could be the plug fuse or the thermal fuse. Check these following my above instructions and replace if need be.

Another common problem for dryers is the door latch. You should hear a click when you close the dryer door. If you don’t, your first action should be to clean the door latch using a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol. If you’re still not hearing that click, you might need to replace your dryer door latch. 

Problem: Clothes are covered with lint

This is a simple one to solve. If your clothes are coming out of the dryer covered in lint, you probably need to clean the lint screen. If the lint screen is covered in lint, it won’t be able to hold anymore.

If you have a clean lint screen and your clothes are still covered in lint, check the quality of your lint screen. If it is damaged or worn out, it’s time to buy a replacement lint screen. Be sure to check your dryer’s brand and model number before doing this. 

In conclusion, a malfunctioning clothes dryer can be a major inconvenience, but many common issues can be resolved with simple troubleshooting. By identifying the problem, whether it’s strange marks on clothes, lack of heat, unusual noises, failure to start, or excess lint, you can often find a quick fix without the need for costly repairs. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to these issues will help keep your dryer running smoothly and extend its lifespan.