Have you been noticing some strange changes in your laundry routine? Do you know when your clothes dryer is about to break? Unfortunately, when it does happen, it’s often when you need it the most. Fortunately for homeowners everywhere there are warning signs that indicate an impending problem with your clothes dryer so that you can either get routine maintenance done or fix the problem before damage gets done. Here are some of the most common warning signs that your dryer is about to give out:
- It takes a long time to dry your clothes
One major indicator that you have a problem with your dryer could be if it’s taking too long to run. For example, if it’s taking over an hour to dry a load of clothes, there is probably something wrong with your dryer. If you run it again and your clothes are still not dried completely within the first 10-15 minutes, then this is an issue that needs to be resolved. If this is happening, check the vent. The vent should be clear so there’s no blockages or kinks preventing air flow. You also want to make sure your lint screen isn’t full, because that will slow down air flow too.
- Strange noises start coming from the machine
If there’s a strange sound that starts coming from your dryer, it is usually not a good sign. It’s likely that the motor is either going out or there’s an issue with the belt. If you’re hearing rumbling sounds, knocking noises, rattling sounds, squealing sounds, and clunking around like the machine is trying to work but isn’t, it means something most likely broke internally and if not repaired soon will cause serious damage.
- Flashing lights on doors
If you happen to see lights flashing inside your front loading dryer door, there’s a couple different things that could be happening. Sometimes it means there’s an issue with the door lock and you need to check it out. Another possibility, which is typically more serious, is that water has leaked into the machine and if not checked out and dried out immediately it will cause rust and moldy smelling odours.
- Unusual Odours
If suddenly your clothes smell like mildew or musty smells when they come out of the dryer, there’s definitely something wrong. Along with this happening comes rusted internal metal components, which can lead to rust stains on your clothing. If you walk into your laundry room and smell something burning it could mean one of two things: Either an electrical short has just occurred or there’s a problem with the motor itself that needs immediate attention. You don’t want to ignore these kinds of smells because they can be extremely dangerous, and there’s the potential for further damage to take place.
When your dryer is about to break, it’s important to act fast. You may be able to get a few more uses out of the machine before it dies completely, but don’t wait too long or you could end up with a broken appliance and no way to dry your clothes. If you are in need of a dryer repair, our team at 50 Stars Appliance Repair is here to help. We provide quality service and would be happy to assist you with your broken appliance. Give us a call today!