The Most Common Dryer Problems & Solutions
Besides giving thanks to our refrigerators for keeping leftovers fresh for longer, we must bestow the “most useful appliance” award to the dryer. They quietly spin and tumble loads of clothes, sheets, and towels into dry and warm fluffiness, saving us from tedious air-drying or line-hanging. Yet, when a dryer malfunctions or acts up, it can cause frustration, inconvenience, and even fire hazards. Fortunately, many dryer problems have simple and affordable solutions that you can handle yourself. Our blog is taking a spin on the most common dryer issues and a tumble into satisfying solutions to fix them.
The Dryer Doesn’t Heat Up
The worst part about damp clothes isn’t forgetting about them; it’s when they’re still damp after their cycle. Typically, your dryer refuses to heat up because of a broken heating element, a blown thermal fuse, a faulty thermostat, or a clogged vent.
We get it—whatever the problem is, it feels like a disaster, but we have an answer! Before you call a repairman, try testing the heating element with a multimeter, a measurement tool that is quite suitable for home use. Unplug the dryer and test the heating element and thermal fuse for continuity. If they show no resistance, replace them. If they are fine, check the thermostat and the vent for obstructions. Clean the vent by disconnecting it from the dryer and vacuuming or brushing it. Also, ensure nothing is blocking the exterior hood vent.
Laundry Takes Too Long To Dry
If your dryer takes longer than usual to finish a load, there might be poor airflow. Poor airflow happens when a part of the air duct system is clogged or congested, or the lint trap hasn’t been cleaned.
The solution here is simple: clean the lint filter between cycles and wash it periodically with soap and water to remove residue buildup. Consider installing a booster fan in the vent pipe to improve the airflow and reduce the drying time. If none of those is the issue, and you’re guilty of overloading the dryer, condense the load by half. Don’t dry too many thicker items such as blankets and large towels at the same time.
The Dryer Won’t Start
Plugging and unplugging the dryer won’t help you here (we know it doesn’t always help with computers either). One of the reasons a dryer refuses to turn on is typically due to power outages or a faulty circuit breaker. The best solution is to call a professional who can diagnose and properly fix the issue before worse problems occur.
It’s essential to know the common problems a dryer has so you know if it’s something you can fix yourself or whether it’s time to call a professional. Don’t press your luck without following safety precautions. Caring for your appliance and knowing the signs that something is wrong can help save you time, money, stress, and multiple trips to the laundromat or your neighbor’s house.
