You toss in a load of laundry, set the cycle, and head off to do other important tasks. However, when you come back a couple of hours later, you find your clothes still damp. Worse, your washing machine’s dryer didn’t even kick in.
When your washer-dryer combo or separate dryer breaks, wet clothes can stack up quickly. Calling a repair technician when your washing machine dryer isn’t working isn’t always the quickest choice.
However, you can solve many common dryer problems at home. Be it a dryer heating problem or clothes not drying, there’s often a simple fix. Let’s see how you can troubleshoot common washer-dryer combo issues.
1. Start with the Basics First
Before thinking the washer dryer isn’t heating or jumping to complex conclusions, check if the problem is something simple. Often, the solution is in front of you. Here’s what you can try for a washing machine dryer not working.
- Check whether the power plugs are loose. Also, check the breaker box if it’s a hard-wired unit. Make sure you reset tripped breakers.
- Also, double-check the settings. Did you select a non-heated or air-dry cycle by mistake? Some washer models have specific programs that don’t utilise heat.
- Attempt drying a smaller load. Reportedly, an overloaded dryer can’t circulate air well. Thus, you can see your clothes not drying at all.
- Give your washing machine a firm push while closing the lid or door. Listen for a click to be sure. Modern washers won’t run unless the door is shut tightly.
2. Dryer Spins But Doesn’t Heat
Has the drying cycle failed? Well, this is a classic issue. You see the drum turn or spin, but your clothes remain wet. Typically, it indicates a dryer heating problem.
Most common reasons for this include:
Damaged Thermal Fuse
A thermal fuse stops your dryer from overheating. If it breaks down, the washing machine’s dryer will spin, but won’t get hot. Since this is a one-time safety device, you must replace it if it is blown.
Faltering Heating Element
Heating elements of your washer’s dryer can wear out with regular use. For obvious reasons, a broken heating element won’t generate heat. Why is your washing machine dryer not working? Probably, it needs a heating element replacement.
Failing Thermostat
The thermostat controls the heat generation inside the dryer. If it has become defective, the dryer will fail to heat up properly or at all.
Now, what can you do when it’s a dryer heating problem? Test all the above-mentioned parts with a multimeter. If you lack confidence in testing, then it’s best to call in a pro for the washer dryer not heating situation. Knowing what might be wrong with your washing machine can help you save money.
3. Your Dryer Doesn’t Spin
The heat works, but the drum stays still? Here’s a common case: you find the washing machine dryer isn’t working. On top of that, you may hear humming or nothing at all. In general, it can refer to a mechanical problem.
The following parts are more likely to be the culprits:
Broken Drive Belt
The belt wraps around the drum and helps it spin. If the drive belt snaps, the motor will still work. However, the drum will fail to spin.
Damaged Drum Rollers
These parts are responsible for rotating the drum smoothly. In case they fail, the dryer’s drum might struggle or even stop spinning.
Motor Defects
The drum refuses to spin if the motor fails or is burned somehow. Indeed, you may notice a buzzing noise when you try to start the dryer.
What are the solutions? Fixing mechanical parts requires a complete diagnosis. Replacing belts or rollers can be technical. If you are interested in DIY fixes, then you may proceed with them. However, the right tools and guidelines are needed.
So, you should compare repair costs to the price of a new dryer if the motor has gone bad.
4. The Dryer is Noisy
Does your dryer sound like a construction site? Loud squealing, grinding, or thumping noises from your washer or dryer mean something is wrong.
Common reasons for a noisy dryer are:
Loose or Damaged Drum Bearings
Drum bearings can wear down over time and under too much load. Then, as soon as the drum starts spinning, you can hear noises.
Foreign Objects Trapped in the Drum or Lint Filter
Buttons, coins, or even a stuck zip can lead to a racket. As a quick fix, inspect inside the drum and lint filter area thoroughly.
Loose Blower Wheel
It’s a fan that circulates hot air. If the blower wheel becomes loose or damaged, you can hear a rattle or high-pitched squeal.
What should you do when your dryer makes noises? Begin by removing foreign objects, if there are any. Examine and replace damaged parts, if that doesn’t help you mitigate those loud sounds. Make sure you don’t ignore the noise if it’s new and persistent. Without expert intervention, it won’t get better on its own.
5. Dryer Starts Overheating
Is your washing machine dryer not working properly? Overheating is a sign of danger. If your dryer feels hotter than usual or burns your clothes, act before a fire hazard takes place. First of all, cut the power to the washing machine or separate dryer.
Let’s have a quick look at why your dryer gets too hot:
Blocked Vent or Lint Trap
Airflow is the key to maintaining better drying and functioning of a dryer. So, the hot air can’t escape if the vent is clogged. Meanwhile, heat builds up easily, and the dryer turns into a fire hazard.
Defective Thermostat
The thermostat regulates the temperature precisely. If it breaks down, your dryer may end up overheating.
Shorted Heating Element
A dryer can have heating problems if the heating element touches the casing. Therefore, you face overheating as a washer dryer combo issue.
The solutions are quite evident when your dryer gets too hot. If you smell burning, power off the dryer immediately and unplug it. Make sure you clean the dryer’s lint trap after every load. Additionally, inspect the vent hose and the roof or wall vent outside. Furthermore, contact professionals to replace faulty or broken parts.
6. Your Washer Dryer Doesn’t Start at All
You press the start button, and the washing machine dryer not working – it shows no sign of life. Here’s what you can do:
- Pay attention to the power supply.
- Push the door firmly. If it doesn’t click, then look out for signs of wear and tear.
- Does your dryer come with a power or timer switch? Whatever it is, make sure it works.
If your washer dryer isn’t heating, contact Atdoorstep for help with electrical or mechanical issues.
7. Error Codes on Digital Dryers
Some modern dryers have a digital screen. They may flash an error code when something goes wrong. In case you notice an error code on the screen or control panel, here’s what to do:
- Look up the warning code in the product’s user manual or online.
- Next, you can try resetting your appliance. Many error codes can be cleared with a reset.
- Deciphering the error code often gives you the fix. See if it represents a door latch error or a blocked vent.
Typically, resetting your dryer requires you to unplug the machine for a few minutes. However, resetting works for minor glitches.
8. Moisture Sensor Issues
Nowadays, dryers utilise a sensor to detect when clothes are dry. A dirty or faulty moisture sensor can cause the dryer to stop the cycle too soon or run longer than expected.
Here are the signs that something is fishy with the moisture sensor:
- The dryer stops running early, and you discover your clothes are wet.
- Your washer dryer runs for a very long time with dry clothes.
Try to locate and clean the motion sensor, if possible. For cleaning, you can use a soft cloth and rubbing alcohol. If you allow the dryer to run for considerably longer durations, then your clothes can catch fire. So, take the right step before it’s too late.
Useful Tips
Are you still stuck in the loop of the washing machine dryer not working? From the washer dryer not heating to the drum not spinning, situations vary. However, you can maintain the dryer’s efficiency with the following hacks:
- Keep your dryer clean. Indeed, clean the lint buildup after every use.
- Ensure that the vents of the dryer are not blocked.
- Additionally, never ignore burning smells and weird noises.
- Keep the user manual handy for more maintenance tips and troubleshooting help.
Hire Atdoorstep to Resolve Washer Dryer Combo Issues!
Are your clothes not drying? If all solutions fail, it’s better to call in a pro. Atdoorstep’s technicians have extensive knowledge about washing machine repair in Dubai. They can replace heating elements, drive belts, door latches, and more. Indeed, they can rectify overheating with proven methods. Call Atdoorstep if you think that your dryer poses a threat to your laundry or lifestyle.
