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What are the Best Tips for Dryer Repair?

Sherry Holetzky

Last Modified Date: February 24, 2024

You can find lots of tips for dryer repair online. There are also books and magazines devoted to repairing household appliances as well as completing regular maintenance. You can find information in your owner’s manual as well. However, it is wise to ask yourself some tough questions, including, “Can I handle this?” before you begin any repair project. If you hesitate to say yes, call a qualified repairperson.

The first thing one should do when contemplating appliance repair, is to check out the basics. Tips for dryer repair go hand in hand with tips for repairing other home appliances, and the first one is generally to make sure the appliance is plugged in and or turned on. Make sure you haven’t thrown a breaker. Another of the simple tips for dryer repair is to make sure the door is closed properly. You won’t be happy if you take your dryer apart or pay for a service call only to learn that the door wasn’t closed tight enough.

Dryer lint can be a fire hazard if it's not collected and disposed of properly.

If the door catch is broken and will not stay closed, you can purchase one for just a few dollars. Look for one that fits all brands. Be sure to check the size of your door catch to ensure the one you purchase will fit it. Remove the old catch and snap the new one in.

If the dryer just doesn’t seem to be working as well as it should, or is taking longer to dry, check the lint screen and clean it if necessary. Lint may also be clogging the area between the lint screen and the dryer vent, or the vent itself. It is very important to keep these areas clear, not only for the best performance but also because trapped lint can be a fire hazard.

This is one of the most important tips for dryer repair you will find. Also, make sure the dryer is far enough away from the wall and the vent. If not, it could be an air flow issue that is keeping your dryer from working properly.

Replacing the catch on a dryer door that will not stay closed is an easy and inexpensive repair.

Make sure there isn’t a problem with your washer rather than your dryer. Are clothes coming out of the washer wetter than usual? If they aren’t spinning properly, the dryer isn’t going to be able to keep up with the excess moisture. Try running the spin cycle again and then seek washing machine maintenance and repair tips instead of tips for dryer repair.

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Discussion Comments

John57

February 27, 2012

I had a Maytag washer and dryer that were over 16 years old. I never had one problem with either of them after all those years.

My dryer was still running, but I noticed my clothes weren't getting dry. It would take twice as long to get them dry, and sometimes that wasn't even doing it.

We aren't very handy when it comes to that kind of thing, so called a repairman. He said the dryer could be fixed, but since it was so old we might be better off buying a new one.

I figured 16 years without any problems was a long time so I wasn't too upset. We just ended up getting both a new washer and dryer as I figured the washer would probably go next.

I also wanted a matched set, so even though it was expensive, I shouldn't have to worry about washer or dryer repair for a long time.

golf07

February 26, 2012

You never think much about your clothes dryer until you put in a load of clothes and they don't get very dry.

The very first thing I did was check my lint screen. I am in the habit of doing this after every load, so didn't think that would have been the problem.

The lint screen was clean, but some big chunks of lint were stuck inside the vent and the hot air wasn't getting through as well as it should have.

Thankfully, this was an easy fix, and my husband figured it out so we didn't have to call a repair man. I was just glad I wasn't without a dryer for a few days.

backdraft

February 25, 2012

@summing - I know where you are coming from but there are definitely some fixes that even the average handyman could pull off easily.

A dryer belt is an easy fix and this is one dryer part that is pretty easy to find. They sell them in many appliance stores. Switching out the dryer heating element can also be an easy job depending on the make and model of your dryer. Before you call in a repair man do a little research. Your repair might take little more than a screwdriver and five minutes.

summing

February 25, 2012 My best tip for dryer repair: hire someone else to do it for you. In my experience it is more trouble than it is worth to try to fix home appliances yourself. Many of them are confusing, the parts are expensive and hard to find and your own efforts often cause new problems.

Appliance repair is usually not that expensive. When it is it is probably more worth your while to just buy a new appliance.