- Dryers are less complex than other home appliances such as washing machines, so spending a few minutes examining the symptoms will help you find the problem. If the dryer won't work at all, it may be faulty wiring or a broken sensor. If the dryer isn't turning, the drive belt may be broken.
- The drive belt is wrapped around the tub of the dryer and can be accessed when the top panel is removed; the sensor switch clicks when you shut the dryer door; and the power cord and hoses are behind the dryer. These parts may need to be replaced if damaged. Other parts, such as faulty wiring inside the dryer, require a professional to fix.
- Always turn off power to the dryer or unplug it when working. Replace a power cord that is cracked or shows exposed wires to prevent malfunctioning. The dryer hose, which can be detached from the dryer, should be cleaned regularly with a dryer vent brush to remove clogs of thread or other clothes-related material. This not only makes your dryer heat more efficiently, but it also prevents large clogs, which are a fire hazard.
- A screwdriver and a flathead screwdriver or a putty knife are required for removing screws and prying off panels to access the inside of the dryer. A dryer vent brush is useful for cleaning out the hose behind the dryer. Spare parts, such as a new drive part, should be laid out and ready when making repairs on the dryer.
- A few simple tasks can keep your dryer in proper working order. After every use, clean out the lint trap. This helps the dryer produce more heat. Check for small items, such as coins, that may have fallen into the dryer and can cause a loud rattling when it is used again. Do not overload the dryer with too many clothes, and keep the dryer pulled a bit away from the wall so the dryer hose is not pinched closed.
