7 Warning Sounds Your Dryer Is Making And What They Mean

Your clothes dryer can make a variety of sounds. Some are pleasant, like the white noise rumble of a drying load or the cheerful tune some brands play at the end of a cycle. Not all of the noises that a dryer makes are enjoyable, however, and some may indicate that something is wrong. Certain sounds can signal that your dryer may need maintenance or a full repair. Some parts of the dryer, such as the drive belt or drum roller, can wear out over time and may need to be replaced. There may also be an issue with the power source, or a foreign object could be clicking around inside the drum. Paying attention to any new sounds your dryer makes can help you stay on top of its performance and fix problems before they worsen.

Dryers can differ in sounds, but there are a few noises that can be universal, no matter what make or model dryer you own. Knowing what may cause these warning sounds can help you troubleshoot and determine whether you can fix the issue or if it's best left to a professional. Before investigating any noise source from your dryer, make sure the appliance is turned off and unplugged. Because dryers are heavy and bulky, use caution when moving them away from the wall to avoid injuring yourself. Here are the most common dryer sounds and what they often mean.

You hear a clicking sound

A gas-powered clothes dryer can often make a clicking sound while running through a cycle. This sound is perfectly normal and part of the gas valve maintaining the correct temperature. If you don't have a gas dryer and it doesn't start when you press a button, the clicking is a signal that something is wrong. You may have a blown fuse, a faulty door switch, or a broken drive belt. A broken start switch can also be the culprit. Check these components if possible, or contact a professional appliance repair tech.

The dryer squeaks

A squeaking noise coming from your dryer is disruptive, but also a signal that something is wrong. If your dryer is newly-installed, the squeaking may be because it's not level, and needs its leg height adjusted. However, if you have had the dryer for some time, the squeaking sound can be a mechanical problem, such as a drive belt requiring replacement or a broken or loose pulley. Another reason why your dryer could be squeaking is a lack of lubrication for the drum bearings, which a professional should address for the best results.

The dryer seems to be rattling

With rattling dryers, the culprit can often be small, loose items that are tumbling along with your laundry. Perhaps a coin fell out of a pants pocket or a button slipped off while cycling. If you're drying a hoodie or other clothing with zippers, the hardware may tap against the drum sides, causing a rattle. Stop your dryer, and check for any loose foreign objects. If that isn't the cause, you may have the appliance too close to the wall or your clothes washer, so try adding some space between them.

There's a grinding sound

A grinding sound may indicate your drum bearings aren't performing as they should. The drum bearings help keep the dryer drum stable during the rotation cycle as it dries the laundry. These components may become old or worn out, making them unable to support the rotating drum. When this happens, it often creates a grinding sound during the drying process. It can be complicated to replace these parts as a novice, so contacting a professional appliance repair service is the best course of action.

Loud banging or thumping sounds

Bangs are disruptive and may also tell you that there's an issue. The source of why your dryer is making a banging noise may differ based on its age and current laundry load. Brand new appliances might thump due to a drum out of alignment or shifting during transport. In other cases, bangs can be an unbalanced load, rolled up linens, or a pair of shoes knocking around. Check your laundry, make adjustments, and run the cycle again. If it still thumps, call a repair service, especially if it grows louder.

You hear buzzing

A dryer can play a loud buzzer sound when it finishes a load, but sometimes a buzz can be a major warning sign. This is especially true if your dryer doesn't start its cycle at your command. The buzz warns of a failing component, such as usual suspects like drum bearings, the drive belt, or drum glides. Check for a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse, as the dryer may not be receiving enough power. Call a licensed repair service to investigate and fix the dryer if your power supply is stable.

Sharp scraping noises

Coins and other objects trapped in the dryer's drum front seal may also make the sound of metal scraping together as the cycle runs, so investigating the inside of your dryer for loose objects is crucial to eliminating the cause. If the sound continues, even after removing anything from the drum seal, the problem may be loose or worn-down slides, which will require servicing.

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