Easy Fixes for Tumble Dryers

Major appliances with major problems need the help of a professional. However, minor dryer problems, like lint buildup or a faulty fuse, can be easily cleared.  Finding the cause of the problem is the first step.

Check the power

• First, check that the dryer is receiving power. Plug a working appliance, such as a table lamp, into its socket; if it doesn't illuminate, replace the fuses or reset the circuit breaker. If the dryer repeatedly blows its fuse or trips its circuit breaker, call for a repair — it may indicate an electrical problem within the machine.
• If you have just dried a load, wait for 30 minutes before restarting — the dryer's thermal overload protector may have been triggered.
• Inspect the door catch. This usually has a plastic peg that pushes an electrical switch in the door casing. If the plastic appears cracked, or the door doesn't close easily, you'll need to call for a repair, but if the mechanism appears intact, try spraying a little switch cleaner (available from electronics stores) into the switch. This solvent may dislodge any grease or debris that is blocking the switch's contacts.

Condenser dryers work in a similar way to vented dryers, except that the water extracted from your clothing is not vented to the outside, but condenses on a cooled plate within the body of the dryer before running into a plastic reservoir.

• Empty the water reservoir after every drying cycle.
• Every few weeks, remove the condenser unit — it usually slides out easily from the dryer. Take it outside and wash it with cold water from a hose, removing any lint trapped on its plates. Allow it to dry before you put it back into the machine.

A build-up of lint in your tumble dryer is dangerous because it can start a fire. Clean your lint filters after every load and inspect the dryer's vent or condenser unit every few weeks.