How to Fix a 20-Year-Old Kenmore Dryer That Does Not Dry Clothes

Older dryers may be clogged with lint, preventing your clothes from getting dry.

If your Kenmore dryer is 20 years old, chances are it might not be drying as well as it did when it was new. This isn't to say that your Kenmore dryer is broken and needs replacing. In fact, you may be able to fix the drying problem through cleaning out the lint trap and vent tube, or by replacing the heating element. Either procedure might save you from having to hire an appliance technician to fix it or having to buy a new dryer.

Things You'll Need

• Sponge
• Stub Phillips screwdriver
• Common screwdriver
• Socket set
• Leaf blower or similar blowing device
• Pipe cleaner
• Putty knife
• Pliers

Instructions

Remove Lint Clogs

1. Unplug the dryer from the wall and move it out 2 feet to give yourself some working room.

2. Remove the lint filter from the lint trap. Brush off all visible lint on both sides. Scrub with dish-washing liquid, a sponge and warm water to remove built-up fabric softener particles that may be clogging the filter. Rinse both sides with hot water, then allow the filter to air dry.

3. Clean the lint trap holder of visible lint. Use a thin, wire brush or pipe cleaners to scrub the insides. You may need a flashlight for better visibility.

4. Locate your dryer's exhaust vent, which is typically at the back of the dryer on the bottom. Disconnect the exhaust tube and inspect it for any obvious obstructions. Reach inside the dryer's exhaust vent and remove any lint or objects.

5. Place a leaf blower or a similar blowing device over your lint trap holder and turn it on. Look over the dryer to see if lint is blowing out of the exhaust vent. If so, keep the blower on until you don't see any more lint coming out.

Heating Element Replacement

1. Unplug the dryer from the wall and move it 3 feet from the wall. You may have to disconnect the dryer vent tube to do so.

2. Remove the dryer filter and locate the two screws in the lint trap holder. Remove them.

3. Slide a putty knife 2 inches from the left edge in the crease between the dryer door and the top cabinet. Push up to release the top from the spring clips. Repeat the process 2 inches from the right edge.

4. Hold the dryer top up with one hand. Use your other hand to remove the sheet metal screw (located to the far left toward the back) that secures the mounting strap to the dryer cabinet.

5. Go to the back of the dryer and pull down the rear cabinet panel from the mounting bracket. Locate the heating element box, which is typically rectangular, vertical and to the right side. Disconnect the wires leading to the element by gently clamping pliers near their connecting points and pulling out.

6. Remove the screws that secure the heating element box to the dryer. Open the box and clean out any visible lint or foreign objects. Replace the heating element and attach everything in reverse order of these steps.

Tips & Warnings

• Some Kenmore models have the heating element in a panel underneath the dryer door. If so, place the putty knife in the door crease and panel, then press up to release the spring hinges. When you pull the panel door down, you should see the heating element in a rectangular box to the right.

References

• Appliance Aid: Procedures for Replacing a Common Heating Element