5 Most Common Dryer Problems and Solutions

Dryer problems can cause loads of frustration. We’ll help you find a solution.

Laundry gone wrong can be a headache. And a broken dryer only makes matters worse.

If your clothes come out of the dryer still wet, or your dryer just won’t run to begin with, one of these common dryer issues could be the culprit.

Here are the top five dryer problems that make your head spin — and possible causes and solutions to get your machine up and running again.

Top 5 Dryer Problems & Solutions

1. Dryer makes strange noises or vibrates

Likely Culprit: Failed dryer drum seal

Causes: Frequent overloading or contact with foreign objects

Solution: The seal will eventually need to be replaced.

2. Dryer runs but never heats up

Likely Culprit: Faulty thermal fuse

Causes: Blocked ventilation, clogged lint screens or a consistently overloaded machine

Solution: If the thermal fuse is broken, it will need to be replaced.

3. Dryer doesn’t run

Likely Culprit: Faulty thermal fuse

Causes: Clogged lint screen, overloaded machine or blocked ventilation

Solution: If the thermal fuse is broken, it will need to be replaced.

4. Dryer runs but doesn’t get clothes dry

Likely Culprit: Broken heating element

Causes: Blocked ventilation, clogged lint screen or consistently overloaded machine

Solution: If the heating element fails, it will need to be replaced.

5. Dryer runs but then shuts off quickly

Likely Culprit: Possible broken thermostat

Causes: Blocked ventilation, clogged lint screen or consistently overloaded machine

Solution: If the thermostat fails, it will need to be replaced.

Help your dryer work harder and live longer with basic dryer maintenance and by avoiding the three ways people abuse their dryers most: overloading the machine (oversized loads also take longer to dry and use more energy), letting the lint screen get clogged and not cleaning the vent. Empty the lint screen after each load, and give it a deep clean every three months by washing it with a bit of detergent and rinsing thoroughly. And don’t forget to clean the vent — call in a Sears expert to clean the vent correctly and safely.

Whether your dryer is making noises or not heating up properly, count on the Sears Appliance experts to correctly diagnose the problem and get it fixed.