Tumble dryer troubleshooting: 10 Common problems and how to fix them

Why are my clothes still damp after a cycle?

There's nothing worse than opening the tumble dryer expecting warm, dry clothes, only to find that your favourite sweater is still absolutely soaked. There are a few common causes that can stop your favourite outfits coming out wardrobe-ready.

A blocked lint filter
Fluff from jumpers, lint from pockets. If left long enough, a blocked lint filter will stop air from circulating around the drum. Remove the filter after every load and wipe it out to get on top of this problem.

The condenser or heat exchanger needs cleaning
If either of these become clogged with debris, your dryer won't be able to remove moisture properly. Following the manufacturer's instructions, remove and clean either the condenser or heat exchanger.

You’re using the wrong drying programme
Many of us choose one drying programme and stick to it, whether or not it's the right one. It's best to take a look at the instruction manual for their explainer on what each programme does. For example, Iron Dry programmes actually leave clothes slightly damp, so that they're easier to iron.

The drum is overloaded
When there are too many clothes in the drum, airflow can't get between them to help them dry off. When loading up, make sure your clothes have room to move freely with space at the top for them to tumble.

The water tank needs emptying
Some tumble dryers, like condenser and heat pump models, collect removed moisture in a water tank. If it's full then it can't collect any more, meaning it won't be able to get all the moisture out of your clothes. It's usually as simple as pulling the tank out, emptying it into a sink, and sliding it back in.

If you’ve tried these fixes and your clothes still come out damp, this could be a problem that a professional should take a look at.

Why does my tumble dryer keep stopping?

It can be really irritating, but the reality is that sudden stops are usually a safety feature designed to prevent overheating, which could be dangerous. There are a few common issues this is usually caused by.

The water tank is full
Some models will automatically stop the cycle when the water tank can't collect any more water. This fix is pretty simple. All you have to do is take it out, empty it into a sink, and slide it back in.

The filter is blocked
If lint buildup begins to block the filter, your dryer can overheat, causing the automatic safety features to kick in, stopping the drying cycle. Remove the filter, binning any lint it's collected. Also remove as much fluff as possible from the housing where the filter sits.

A problem with the drainage
Some condenser and heat pump models drain externally instead of using a water tank. If the drain is blocked, your appliance can stop because it can't remove any water. Make sure the hose isn't twisted or crushed. When the dryer is off, take a look inside the hose for blockages. You’ll also want to check if the pipe it's connected to is blocked.

There’s a faulty sensor
Modern tumble dryers use sensors to monitor the heat and moisture in the drum. If it isn't working properly, it can mistakenly end the cycle before your clothes are fully dry. Try giving the moisture sensors a clean, they're usually inside the drum near the lint filter — take a look at the instruction manual if you can't find it.

If this quick fix doesn’t solve it, you’ll probably have to get an engineer ‘round.

The door switch is damaged
This is what the dryer uses to tell whether the door is closed or not. If it’s damaged, your dryer might think it’s open when it’s not. Check the door closes fully, make sure nothing’s trapped in the door, inspect the latch for signs of damage, and listen for a clicking sound when the door closes.

If it feels loose or you can’t hear the switch, a professional will have to take a look at this.

Why is my tumble dryer making loud noises?

Let's face it, even with all the noise-reducing features, tumble dryers aren't exactly quiet appliances. But it's important to be able to tell which sounds are normal and which ones should set off alarm bells.

Different noises can mean different problems:

Squeaking - worn rollers or a stretched drive belt
Grinding - worn bearings or motor problems
Rattling - loose items such as coins, keys or buttons

You'll also want to double check that your appliance is level on the floor, as even a little wobble can really up the volume during a cycle. If the noises your dryer is making point to a machine fault, a professional engineer will be able to solve the problem.

Why does my tumble dryer keep tripping the electrics?

If popping a load on to dry plunges you into darkness, it probably means there’s an internal fault with your dryer.

This is usually caused by:

• A faulty heating element
• Damaged internal wiring
• Moisture making its way to the electrical components
• A faulty mains filter
• A damaged plug or power cable

It's worth taking a look at the plug and cable for any obvious damage, but complicated electrical work is always best left to the professionals. Stop using the dryer and arrange for an engineer to inspect the dryer.

How often should I clean my tumble dryer?

Keeping your machine nice and clean is one of the easiest ways to keep your tumble dryer running at its best.

It's a good rule of thumb to clean the lint filter, empty the water tank, and remove fluff build-up after every cycle. Then, around once a month, clean the condenser or heat exchanger, wipe down the drum, check the moisture sensor, and make sure the ventilation routes are clear.

If you've got a vented dryer, make sure the vent hose isn't bent or blocked, and double-check that the external vent flap opens freely.

You should always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your appliance and never run it without the filter fitted.