This seems so simple, especially since you probably rarely even bother to look behind the dryer.

You may be able to replace the fuse or turn the breaker back on.

This is a good time to check the voltage in the outlet with avoltage meter.

open dryer door

The Spruce / Almar Creative

Be sure that your outlet is functioning properly.

If not, call an electrician immediately!

Both electric andgas dryersrequire 240 volts to operate.

Materials needed to troubleshoot a dryer

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Dryer power cords can also fail.

Check the voltage andreplace it if needed.

The thermal fuse “blows” if there is overheating or a surge of power.

Examining the dryer plug

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

This prevents the dryer from catching fire, which is obviously a very good thing!

The fuse is inexpensive andeasy to replace.

Dryers require a door switch to engage for the appliance to work.

Checking the dryer fuse

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

These switches can break and have to be replaced.

They can also just get coated with lint.

Use a cotton swab and a bit of rubbing alcohol to clean the contact areas.

Examining the dryer door switch

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

It may be loose or broken and is inexpensive and usually easy to replace.

The thermal fuse “blows” and turns off the dryer to prevent overheating.

Check theuser or repair manual.

Checking the dryer’s thermal fuse

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Replace the thermal fuse.

It probably blew when the problems began.

Stop the drying cycle and check inside.

Making sure zippers on clothing are fastened

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

Are all buckles on clothes fastened?

Are there coins, cell phones, or keys taking a spin?

Remove the offenders and the noise should stop.

Cleaning a dryer lint filter

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

If your dryer is still noisy or vibrates, it might be off-balance.

If the dryer is making screeching or squealing noises, the problem is worn drum bearings or supports.

After you empty the filter, give it a good cleaning to get rid of anyresidue from dryer sheets.

Cleaning out the back of the dryer vent

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

You’ll get your dryerworking more efficientlyand prevent a possible fire.

Is the dryer vent system kinked, clogged, or disconnected?

Use a long-handled bristle brush toclean out the dryer vent.

Reading through the dryer’s instruction manual

The Spruce / Sarah Lee

The vent should be as short as possible between the machine and the outside exhaust vent to prevent clogs.

If you still have a flexible white plastic dryer hose, replace it!

It is a fire trap waiting for disaster which is why new building codes require a rigid dryer vent.

Go outside andcheck the outside vent.

Most are designed with a trap door that only opens when dryer air and lint are blown out.

If the vent hood gets coated with lint, the trap door can’t open.

This is often a problem in high humidity climates.

Check it every few months.

The manufacturer might offer tips and tricks that work for your specific model.

If you don’t have the manual, visit the manufacturer’s website.

The price can vary widely depending on the part that needs repairing and the labor costs in your area.

On average, dryers should last a little over a decade.

Properdryer cleaning and maintenancecan extend the dryers life.

Sometimes it might be an easy fix, such as cleaning out lint.

But other times a part might need to be replaced.