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dryer hot, but not drying

15 years ago

Before I think of calling an appliance person and wishing I knew of a good one, I thought I'd post this problem here, though most questions seem to have something to do with new machines. Can anyone tell me what it means that my dryer is hot, but the clothes are not drying? Would I assume a blockage? Thanks for any thoughts.

Featured Answer

greenbean08_gw

15 years ago

I also would guess a blockage. Seems like one time I was cleaning lint out of the back of the dryer itself, and was a little startled how much was in there. Honestly, it was about 3 years ago, on a dryer I don't own anymore, so I don't remember just how much I took apart back there, or why I was even doing it, but I do recall removing screws... I doubt I went too far though, since I'm always wary that I might not be able to put it back together.
I think I just took off the back. This was about a 13 year old dryer, and I had seen it apart before. An old appliance and familiarity make me a much more adventurous handy-woman...

So, I'd check your vents, but don't forget the back of the dryer itself.

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Comments (8)

weissman
15 years ago
try posting on the laundry forum - you'll get better responses there. One thought is it spinning - if it's getting hot and not spinning then the clothers probably won't dry.
ky2062ed
15 years ago
Is your laundry area hot and humid? If yes, you have venting issue. If the clothes are staying damp but hot, you are not getting wet air pumped out though the vent. Make sure you inspect the vent from dryer to outside and that it is clear before calling anyone about your dryer.
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sjerin
Original Author
15 years ago
No, the dryer has always worked like a top until this morning. My dryer is in my garage and I live in NorCal, so not hot and humid. Yes, the laundry forum would be more appropriate, but this forum seems to see more action.

I cleaned out the vent as best I could, disconnecting it in several places as it's fairly long. The accordion piece is about 6 or 7 feet long, then the rigid piece is about 10 feet long. It runs along the floor then up 3 feet and out an opening to the great out-of-doors. Never had this problem before. I'm going to put it back together again, (resting my sore back,) and see what happens. Thanks very much for your thoughts.
wagggs
15 years ago
When dryer is running is it blowing air out through the exhaust hose? If not and there is no blockage the blower fan may be worn out. Not the motor but the "squirrel cage" blower - It's a round, plastic wheel with blades, it looks like one of those things in a hamster cage that they run on for exercise - thus the name "squirrel cage"
The center hole of this "cage" mounts onto a motor shaft, quite often the hole in the cage becomes worn and oblong and no longer spins.
sjerin
Original Author
15 years ago
Dh is taking apart the long vent as I write, and I'm so grateful to read these suggestions! Will let you know what he finds/doesn't find. Many thanks.
sjerin
Original Author
15 years ago
Yup, it was a whole lotta lint smack in the middle of the line, of course. I guess every ten to twelve years this duct should be cleaned out, no matter how difficult. Thanks much again, for the thoughts and suggestions.
asolo
15 years ago
Check/clean it every year. Obstructed dryer vents are significant fire hazards. And very common. Ask your local fire marshal. He/she will tell you many tales from your own community.

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