How to fix a tumble dryer that won't dry (2023)

You knowhow to do laundryIHow to choose the best dryer settings for your clothes. Heck, you even know the difference betweendryer sheetsIdrying balls. You are well versed in the art of doing laundry, butNagel, normal settings do not seem to work. Your clothes are wet or damp, or they take much longer to dry than usual. Be honest: you're dealing with a dryer that won't dry.

If your dryer is less than ten years old – which is averageHow long do washing machines and dryers run?- Take the time to replace it with the latest versionbest washer and dryer set. There can be several reasons why you are dealing with a dryer that is not drying your clothes properly. Many of these are instant fixes that you can fix without the help of an expert.

If you notice any of the following problems, there's a good chance your dryer isn't working properly: The dryer won't heat. It will not turn on or start. It's not a fall. Or make a lot of noise. "Sometimes you may not notice any of these telltale signs of a broken dryer, but you will find that your clothes come out of the dryer still wet or very hot," says Gary Childers, fabric care scientist and appliance expert at Procter & Zocken. "This is another indication of a defective dryer."

Measures to be taken if the dryer does not dry the clothes

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Dryer not drying clothes? There are several reasons why your machine is not doing its job. By following the steps below, you can rule out potential problems, determine why your dryer isn't drying, and learn how to fix the problem.

1. Make sure it is not overloaded

One of the most common answers to the question "why isn't my dryer drying?" is also one of the easiest to troubleshoot. The problem: You put too many things in the dryer. "It's important to make sure the dryer isn't overloaded," says Childers. "Overloading a dryer can cause problems with drying performance and noise if there is too much weight in the dryer."

Stuffing too many clothes in the dryer (no doubt this is an attempt to do less laundry) reduces the airflow needed to properly dry your clothes, which may explain why your clothes are hot but not dry. Overloading also makes the dryer work harder, using more energy and increasing drying time. Childers recommends never filling the dryer more than three-quarters full.

2. Check the settings

Using incorrect settings to dry your laundry can significantly affect the drying time of your clothes. For example, if you select the air dry setting or the delicate cycle for a load of jeans, towels and linens, the laundry may get damp because you have selected a setting that is too low. After all, it's one thing to knowhow to wash towels; Another thing is knowing the right setting for drying.

To make sure you don't use too much or too little heat, pay attentionwashing symbolson your clothes. They will tell you which dryer setting is the best.

3. Clean the filter

Shawn Ashby, Whirlpool's laundry brand manager, suggests checking the lint filter. Sure, you know you should clean them regularly, but do you actually do it? Fibers that block airflow in the dryer are a common reason for dryers not drying.

Not removing the lint from the dryer filter not only prevents your clothes from drying. It's also the leading cause of dryer fires, the US Fire Department warns.

"We recommend making sure the lint filter is clean and cleaning it before each use," explains Ashby. "Wet lint is harder to remove, so don't scrub or use water."

First remove the filter by pulling it up, then carefully remove the lint from the filter with your hand and reinsert the lint collector. “If you notice areas of the screen gathering lint or the screen becoming clogged, manual screen cleaning can be more difficult,” says Ashby. And this is where the more intensive cleaning comes into play.

Thoroughly clean the lint filter every six months. Here's how it works in four easy steps:

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1. Roll the fluff off the screen.
2. Wet both sides of the screen with hot water.
3. Scrub with a nylon brush, hot water, and liquid detergent to remove any buildup.
4. Rinse with hot water and dry thoroughly.

4. Check the external dryer vent

Another place where lint can block airflow is the vent on the outside of your home, where the air exits the dryer. If the device is working properly, hot air will flow freely through the vent during operation. "The dryer outlet can be clogged if drying is delayed, clothes aren't drying, or you can't feel the air going through the external vent," says Ashby.

Clean the dryer ventIt is necessary. You can save money by cleaning the vent yourself. However, if you can't find or access the dryer duct and external exhaust fan (or are unsure of your DIY skills), make an appointment for service.

5. Deep cleaning in the breather

If you've cleaned the lint filter or can't feel the air flowing through the outer vent, lint may have accumulated deeper in the vent. "We recommend removing lint from the entire length of the ventilation system at least every two years," says Ashby.

If you can't make an appointment for a service visit, you can do it yourself by purchasing an air vent cleaning kit and following these basic steps.

1. Locate the dryer outlet and remove the plastic cover protecting the end of the vent.
2. Unplug the dryer power cord. "If you have a gas-powered model, you should close the shutoff valve on the gas supply line, and then disconnect and cap the supply line," he says.
3. Remove any tape or staples securing the outlet tube to the vent at the back of the dryer.
4. Push the brush from the dryer cleaning kit into both ends of the dryer duct as gently and as far as possible. Be careful to follow the curves or turns.
5. Clean up any lint that exits the opposite side of the duct, then reconnect the vent tube and power cord or gas supply.
6. Slide the dryer back into place and run an empty drying cycle for 10 to 15 minutes to blow away any remaining dust and ensure the vent is clean.

6. Make sure the ventilation system is properly installed

If your dryer is not drying after this time, Ashby recommends checking the installation instructions when you first install your dryer to confirm thisI installed the dryer ventsystem correct. "For example, you should make sure your ventilation system is within the recommended run length and number of bends for the type of ventilation you are using," he says.

It is also important what type of ventilation you use. "Make sure you only use rigid metal or flexible metal vent material," says Ashby. "Rigid metal vents are recommended for optimal drying performance and to avoid pinching and kinking."

If the vent is bent or pinched, it can cause problems. “Wrinkled or wrinkled outlet material slows the exit of the humid air from the dryer and increases the drying time,” he says. “Replace any plastic or metal foil vent with a rigid or flexible heavy metal vent. The dryer vent should be installed 10 cm from the wall. You should ensure that the vent is not pinched or folded.

7. Clean the sensor

Some dryers detect moisture using sensor rods inside the dryer, Childers notes. Many machine builders recommend cleaning the sensors for accurate moisture detection. "If the clothes aren't cleaned, they can take longer to dry in the dryer," he notes. Refer to the user manual for specific manufacturer instructions.

8. Make sure the dryer is in a ventilated place

According to Ashby, one of the most common reasons a dryer doesn't dry clothes properly is because it's in a closet that's too small for the machine. "When installed in a closet,closet door"There must be air vents at the top and bottom of the door," he says. “At least three inches of air space is required at the front of the washer-dryer and one inch at the sides. For most installations, the back of the washer dryer requires four inches.”

Not sure if your space is suitable for your washing machine? For more information on space requirements, see the device installation guide.

9. Check the heat

Make sure the heater is working by turning the dryer on for five to 10 minutes. "Hold your hand under the hood's outer hood to check the air movement," says Ashby. "If the air movement is less than that of a high-speed hair dryer, remove the lint from the entire length of the system and hood."

Is your dryer not heating but otherwise working? If there is no heat but the machine turns, there may be a problem with the heating element or thermal fuse. In this case, please refer to the user manual for further steps. If you want to easily replace a defective component yourself, you can do that too. However, the correct steps can be found in the user manual. Otherwise, call an expert.

What to do if the dryer does not turn on

The fact that your dryer isn't drying might not be due to the lack of heat and more to the fact that you can't turn the damn thing on. If this is the case, a fuse may have blown or the circuit may have tripped.

"Use extreme caution before examining circuits as there is a risk of electric shock when working with fuses and circuits," Ashby warns.

If your tumble dryer won't turn on, Childers and Ashby recommend the following steps.

• Make sure all buttons and cycles on the controls are properly selected.
• Next, make sure the dryer cord is not frayed and is fully plugged in.
• Make sure the circuit breaker has not tripped. If necessary, reset the circuit breaker.
• Make sure both fuses are intact and tight. If not, replace the damaged fuses.
• Check the door switch. Some front loading dryers use a door switch to tell the machine if the door is open or closed. The safety device prevents the dryer from starting when the door is open. But, Ashby says, the door switch can open a circuit (as can another faulty sensor, a thermal fuse). Failure of the sensors can cause the dryer to stop working properly. "[The door switch] is easily replaced with a few simple tools," he says.

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, Ashby recommends contacting a qualified electrician for assistance.

What to do if the dryer starts but does not spin?

If your tumble dryer starts but the drum (where you store your laundry) won't spin, the belt that helps the drum rotate is broken or the motor is broken. "Refer to your owner's manual or a licensed service technician for troubleshooting," says Childers.

When should you call an expert?

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Fix any problems with your dryer as soon as possible. "The key is to recognize the problem early on and not wait to fix it," says Ashby. "If there are major issues, it's best to see a professional to troubleshoot."

When to call in a professional depends on whether the problem is beyond your financial means. Doing the repairs yourself can save you some money. However, if you are unsure about following the instructions correctly, contact your local repair technician.

"If you go to a professional, you can better understand and solve the problem," explains Ashby. Many device manufacturers offer extended service plans for each device that can save you on repairs.

When should you buy a new dryer?

Tumble dryers typically last 10 to 13 years. “During this time there have been many improvements in energy efficiency and laundry care. So if your dryer is getting to that age, or you're noticing a drop in performance, it may be time to start thinking about buying a new dryer,” says Childers.

Many new dryers have important features like steam cycles (so you can do without the dryer).Iron), the ability to send notifications to your phone or device, and special cycles that older models aren't designed for.

Keep going, learnhow to clean a dryer- and how often you do it.

Sources:

• Gary Childers, fabric care scientist and appliance expert at Procter & Gamble
• Shawn Ashby, Laundry Brand Manager at Whirlpool
• United States Fire Department: "Fire protection materials for tumble dryers"