Dryer Problems You Can Fix
Things to Check Before Calling the Repairman About Your Dryer
If your clothes dryer is not working correctly, there are dryer problems you can fix before you call the repairman.
Dryer will not run
Is it plugged in? This seems so simple but countless repairmen have said that's often all it takes to make an appliance work again.
Dryer will not run and it's plugged in
Check your central home electrical box to see if a fuse has blown or a circuit breaker has been tripped. You may be able to replace the fuse or turn the circuit breaker back on. If this happens frequently, call an electrician immediately!
Dryer is making a terrible noise
Stop the drying cycle and check the contents. Are all buckles fastened? Are zippers zipped? Are there "extra" items - coins, wallets, keys - taking a spin?
Still noisy? It could be the motor or a broken drive belt.
Clothes are taking too long to dry
Check the lint filter. If the lint filter is loaded, air will not flow freely and your machine is forced to work longer than necessary.
If the filter is full, you may also have lint trapped between the dryer drum and the filter. Use a long-bristled brush to clean out the trapped lint. You'll get your dryer working more efficiently and prevent a possible fire.
Filter is clean and clothes won't dry
If your filter is clean, the dryer is heating up but it is still taking too long to dry clothing; there are two things to check.
Is the dryer exhaust hose kinked or clogged? Use that long-handled bristle brush to clean out the dryer hose. Ideally, the hose should be as short as possible between the machine and the outside exhaust vent to prevent clogging.
Now, go outside and check the outside vent. Most are designed with a trap door that only opens when dryer air - and lint - are blown out. If the vent hood and/or trap door gets coated with lint, the trap door can't open. This is often a problem in high humidity climates. Check it every few months, you'll be amazed at the amount of lint you find. If it helps you to place a reminder on your calendar, then do it.
No clue what's wrong
When all else fails, pull out the operating manual and read it. The manual may have something specific for your model of dryer to check out. Misplaced the manual? Visit the manufacturer's website and having the model number handy will probably help. It may take a little time but it's much less expensive than a repair call.
Still no clue
One last thing to do before calling a repairman is to visit online appliance repair sites for any suggestions.
Things to Check Before Calling the Repairman About Your Dryer
If your clothes dryer is not working correctly, there are dryer problems you can fix before you call the repairman.
Dryer will not run
Is it plugged in? This seems so simple but countless repairmen have said that's often all it takes to make an appliance work again.
Dryer will not run and it's plugged in
Check your central home electrical box to see if a fuse has blown or a circuit breaker has been tripped. You may be able to replace the fuse or turn the circuit breaker back on. If this happens frequently, call an electrician immediately!
Dryer is making a terrible noise
Stop the drying cycle and check the contents. Are all buckles fastened? Are zippers zipped? Are there "extra" items - coins, wallets, keys - taking a spin?
Still noisy? It could be the motor or a broken drive belt.
Clothes are taking too long to dry
Check the lint filter. If the lint filter is loaded, air will not flow freely and your machine is forced to work longer than necessary.
If the filter is full, you may also have lint trapped between the dryer drum and the filter. Use a long-bristled brush to clean out the trapped lint. You'll get your dryer working more efficiently and prevent a possible fire.
Filter is clean and clothes won't dry
If your filter is clean, the dryer is heating up but it is still taking too long to dry clothing; there are two things to check.
Is the dryer exhaust hose kinked or clogged? Use that long-handled bristle brush to clean out the dryer hose. Ideally, the hose should be as short as possible between the machine and the outside exhaust vent to prevent clogging.
Now, go outside and check the outside vent. Most are designed with a trap door that only opens when dryer air - and lint - are blown out. If the vent hood and/or trap door gets coated with lint, the trap door can't open. This is often a problem in high humidity climates. Check it every few months, you'll be amazed at the amount of lint you find. If it helps you to place a reminder on your calendar, then do it.
No clue what's wrong
When all else fails, pull out the operating manual and read it. The manual may have something specific for your model of dryer to check out. Misplaced the manual? Visit the manufacturer's website and having the model number handy will probably help. It may take a little time but it's much less expensive than a repair call.
Still no clue
One last thing to do before calling a repairman is to visit online appliance repair sites for any suggestions.
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