Quick answer: Most dryer problems come from restricted airflow. A clogged lint screen, a crushed or lint-filled vent, or a blocked outdoor vent flap can cause slow drying, overheating, burning smells, and even a dryer that won’t start. Clean the lint screen and check the vent first. If that doesn’t fix it, the usual culprits are a blown thermal fuse, a failed heating element or gas igniter, a faulty door switch, or worn drum rollers and belts.
When a dryer acts up, laundry piles up fast. The good news is that many dryer problems have simple causes you can check yourself in a few minutes. This guide covers the 6 most common issues we see in homes across London, Woodstock, St. Thomas, and the surrounding area, and how to tell when it’s time to call a technician.
Safety first: Unplug your dryer before checking anything inside or behind it. Electric dryers run on 240 volts, which is dangerous. If you have a gas dryer, leave the gas components to a licensed gas technician.
Dryer problems at a glance
| Symptom | Most likely causes | Can you check it yourself? |
|---|---|---|
| Clothes still damp after a full cycle | Clogged lint screen or vent, overloading, blocked outdoor flap | Yes, start here |
| Dryer runs but doesn’t heat | Tripped breaker, heating element, gas igniter or valve coils, thermal fuse | Check the breaker; the rest needs a technician |
| Dryer gets very hot | Blocked vent, faulty cycling or high-limit thermostat | Check the vent; stop using it if it stays hot |
| Dryer won’t start | Power supply, door switch, thermal fuse, start switch, control board | Check power and the door; the rest needs a technician |
| Squealing, thumping, or rattling | Worn drum rollers, idler pulley, belt, drum glides, or loose objects | Check for coins and objects; parts need a technician |
| Burning smell | Lint build-up inside the dryer or vent | Stop using the dryer and have it inspected |
| Rotten egg smell (gas dryer) | Possible gas leak | No. Leave the home and call for help right away |
1. Why is my dryer not drying clothes?
If clothes are still damp after a full cycle, check these in order:
- Lint screen: Clean it before every load. Dryer sheets can leave a waxy film that blocks airflow even when the screen looks clean. Wash it in warm, soapy water and let it dry completely.
- Vent hose: Pull the dryer out and make sure the hose behind it isn’t crushed, kinked, or packed with lint.
- Outdoor vent flap: With the dryer running, go outside and check that the flap opens and air is blowing out strongly. In winter, flaps can freeze shut or get blocked by snow.
- Load size: Overloaded dryers tumble poorly and take much longer. Try a smaller load.
If airflow is good but the dryer produces no heat at all, the problem is usually a failed heating element (electric dryers), a failed igniter or gas valve coils (gas dryers), or a blown thermal fuse. These need a technician.
2. Why does my dryer run but not heat?
On an electric dryer, first check your electrical panel. Electric dryers use a double breaker, and if one side trips, the drum may still turn but the heater won’t work. Reset the breaker once. If it trips again, stop and call an electrician or technician.
If the breaker is fine, the most common causes are a burnt-out heating element, a blown thermal fuse, or a faulty thermostat. A blown thermal fuse is often a warning sign: it usually blows because the vent is blocked and the dryer overheated. Replacing the fuse without clearing the vent means it will likely blow again.
3. Why is my dryer getting too hot?
A dryer that’s hot to the touch on the outside, or that makes clothes too hot to handle, usually has a blocked vent. When hot air can’t escape, heat builds up inside the machine. Clean the lint screen and check the full length of the vent.
If the vent is clear and the dryer still overheats, a cycling thermostat or high-limit thermostat has probably failed. These parts control the temperature, and when they fail, the dryer can become a fire hazard. Stop using it and book a repair.
4. Why won’t my dryer start?
- Power: Make sure the dryer is plugged in firmly and check the breaker.
- Door: Most dryers won’t start unless the door switch detects the door is fully closed. A broken latch or switch is a common, inexpensive repair.
- Control lock: Many newer dryers have a child lock or control lock. Check your manual for how to turn it off.
If none of these is the problem, the cause is usually a blown thermal fuse, a faulty start switch, a broken belt (on models with a belt switch), or a failed control board.
5. Why is my dryer making noise?
First, empty the drum and check for coins, buttons, or small items caught in the drum seams, which cause rattling. Other noises usually point to worn parts:
- Thumping or rumbling: worn or flat-spotted drum support rollers.
- High-pitched squealing: a worn idler pulley or drum rollers.
- Scraping: worn drum glides or felt seals.
- Slapping or no tumbling: a stretched or broken drive belt.
Replacing these parts early is usually inexpensive, and it prevents damage to other components.
6. Why does my dryer smell like burning?
A burning smell usually means lint has built up inside the dryer cabinet, around the heater, or in the vent. Stop using the dryer until it has been cleaned and inspected. A new dryer may smell slightly for the first few cycles, which is normal. A musty smell usually means damp lint or a vent that isn’t carrying moisture outside.
If you have a gas dryer and smell rotten eggs, it could be a gas leak. Don’t turn appliances or lights on or off. Leave your home right away, then call 911 or the Enbridge Gas emergency line at 1-866-763-5427 from outside.
How to prevent dryer problems and dryer fires
According to the Ontario Fire Marshal, a lack of maintenance is a leading cause of dryer fires in homes. To keep your dryer safe:
- Clean the lint screen after every load, and regularly remove lint from the vent and exhaust.
- Use rigid or flexible metal ducting to vent outdoors. Plastic and foil ducts sag and crush easily, trap lint, and can melt.
- Keep the vent run as short and straight as possible.
- Never dry rags or mops soaked with oil, wax, solvents, or gasoline, even after washing them.
- Don’t dry foam, rubber, or rubber-backed items.
- Don’t run the dryer when you leave home or go to bed.
- Install a smoke alarm on every storey of your home.
Having trouble with other appliances? See our guides on whether to repair or replace a washing machine and what to do when your dishwasher is not cleaning.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common dryer problems?
The most common dryer problems are clothes not drying, no heat, overheating, the dryer not starting, loud noises, and burning smells. Most of them are caused or made worse by a clogged lint screen or blocked vent.
How often should I clean my dryer vent?
At least once a year, and more often if you do a lot of laundry, have a long vent run, or notice drying times getting longer.
Why do I keep having to replace my dryer’s thermal fuse?
A thermal fuse that keeps blowing is almost always a sign of restricted airflow. Have the vent cleaned and checked for crushed sections before replacing the fuse again.
Is it worth repairing an old dryer?
Often, yes. Many common dryer repairs, like belts, rollers, fuses, and heating elements, are inexpensive. For a major repair on an older machine, the same 50% rule we explain in our washing machine repair-or-replace guide applies to dryers too.
Which areas does Fixton Appliance Services cover?
Fixton repairs dryers, washers, and other home appliances in London, Woodstock, St. Thomas, Strathroy, Tillsonburg, Ingersoll, Aylmer, and St. Marys, Ontario.
Need dryer repair?
If you’ve checked the basics and your dryer still isn’t working properly, Fixton Appliance Services can diagnose the problem and give you a clear quote. We serve homeowners in London, Woodstock, St. Thomas, Strathroy, Tillsonburg, Ingersoll, Aylmer, and St. Marys. Request service online or call us at (548) 800-5995.
