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dryer leaving marks on clothes

Laundry coming out of a dryer with newly added black or brown marks could mean that the dryer is overheating or some parts are failing. Here’s how to troubleshoot this problem.

Dryer Overheating

If the top of the clothes dryer feels hot to the touch and the laundry inside also feel too hot for the cycle selection, this could be caused by one of the following scenarios or failing parts.

Blocked or Restricted Dryer Vent

The dryer vent helps remove moisture from inside the dryer and some of that hot air also contains small pieces of lint from laundry items. Overtime, lint can accumulate inside the venting and block it. This could cause heat to build up inside the dryer drum. Without proper air circulation, items and parts inside the dryer can become damaged due to the heat. Excess lint build-up could also be a fire hazard.

Check and clean the venting to prevent any blockages. Make sure the venting is not kinked or crumpled so air flow is not impeded.

Watch How to Clean Your Dryer below.

Blower Wheel

The blow wheel helps circulate air through the dryer to dry the laundry inside. Over time, the wheel itself can wear out, crack or otherwise become damaged, preventing air from being properly circulated inside the dryer. Check the blower wheel and replace with a new one if damaged.

Heating Element

The heating element warms the air inside the dryer drum in order to dry the laundry inside. The heating element cycles off once the proper selected temperature is reached. If the heating element becomes defective, it could remain switched on longer than needed, producing too much heat.

Cycling Thermostat

The cycling thermostat cycles the heat off and on to keep the dryer at a preset temperature. A defective cycling thermostat could be causing the heating element to remain on and not be switching or cycling it off. Test this part for continuity and replace it if there is no continuity.

Other Parts That Could Leaving Black or Brown Marks on Laundry

Drum Glides or Slides

The drum glides or slides are plastic or nylon pieces that ensure the dryer drum turns smoothly. These parts can become worn which could lead to small gaps where clothes can get caught and marked. Another indication that the glides are warn is a grinding sound when the dryer is in use. Replace the glides with new ones.

Dryer Drum Seal

The dryer drum has seals in the front and back of the dryer drum. This seal allows air to properly circulate through the dryer drum. If the seal becomes too loose the drum can sag and clothes can become caught and pinched in the dryer drum, leaving brown marks on the item. It also could lead to the dryer becoming too hot.

Use a cleaning wipe, cloth or rag and run it around the front and back perimeter of the dryer drum to check for brown marks.

Other indications of a failing seal are if the dryer is too noisy and too hot. Consider replacing the seal to fix these issues.

This post was last modified on December 7, 2024 3:59 am