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Your clothes are still wet after a full drying cycle? That soggy surprise is both annoying and time-consuming. When your tumble dryer is not working and stops heating, you need quick answers and practical solutions.
This guide walks you through the most common heating issues, with steps you can handle yourself and clear signs for when you’ll need a pro. Ready to get your dryer working again?
Before tackling any repairs, let’s look at how your dryer creates heat. There are three main types you might have at home:
- Vented dryers pull in fresh air, heat it up, and blow it through your clothes. The hot air picks up moisture from your wet clothes and sends it outside through a vent pipe. Simple but effective – they’re the most common type in British homes.
- Condenser dryers work differently – they don’t need an outside vent. Instead, they extract water from your wet clothes and collect it in a container you’ll need to empty. The warm air keeps circulating inside the dryer, making them perfect for flats or homes where external venting isn’t possible.
- Heat pump dryers are the newest option. They reuse the same air repeatedly, making them super efficient. While they take longer to dry clothes, they use much less energy, which saves you money on bills.
No matter which type you have, these key parts work together to dry your clothes:
- The heating element does the heavy lifting – it’s the part that actually creates the heat
- Thermostats keep watch over the temperature, switching the heat on and off to keep your clothes safe
- A fan moves the hot air around your clothes
- Filters and vents keep the airflow strong and prevent your dryer from overheating
Let’s start with the easiest fix – blocked filters and vents. This problem causes about 80% of heating issues, and you can sort it yourself in minutes.
A lint filter is a fine mesh screen that catches bits of fluff and fibres that come off your clothes during drying. Without it, this lint would clog up your dryer’s inner workings.
- Your lint filter needs cleaning after every cycle – no exceptions. When lint builds up, your dryer works harder to push air through, which can lead to overheating. You’ll find your lint filter either in the door rim or just inside the drum. Pull it out, remove the lint with your hands, and give it a quick wash under the tap every few weeks to remove any fabric softener residue.
- Check your vent hose too if you have a vented dryer. Disconnect it from the back of your dryer and run your hand inside to feel for lint buildup. A blocked vent hose not only stops your clothes from drying but can be a fire risk. While you’re there, make sure the outdoor vent flap moves freely and isn’t stuck shut.
The Thermal Overload Cut-out (TOC) is your dryer’s safety guard. When something’s not right, it cuts the power to stop your dryer from overheating. The most common reasons for a TOC trip are:
- A blocked filter or vent causing poor airflow
- Opening the door mid-cycle (this confuses your dryer’s temperature controls)
- A full condenser unit that needs emptying
- Overloading the drum with too many clothes
Found yourself pressing that reset button often? Stop right there. A TOC that keeps tripping is telling you something’s wrong – fix the underlying problem first.
An element of your condenser might be the culprit.
- A faulty heating element might be the problem if:
- Your dryer isn’t producing any heat at all
- Clothes take ages to dry
- You hear unusual noises when the dryer’s running
- A broken thermostat won’t regulate temperature properly
- A full condenser box needs emptying
- Dirty moisture sensors can’t tell when your clothes are dry
- A faulty fan won’t move hot air through your clothes
- Electrical faults need immediate professional attention
Got a dryer that’s still cold? Let’s check what you can fix yourself…
Your safety comes first. Before you start poking around your dryer, pull the plug from the socket. If it’s hardwired, switch it off at the circuit breaker.
Start with these quick checks – they might save you time and worry:
- Is your dryer properly plugged in? The plug might have worked loose
- Pop over to your fuse box and check if the circuit breaker has tripped
- Give the door a firm push – even a slightly open door stops the heating
- Double-check you’ve picked a heat setting, not the ‘air dry’ option
Now for a proper clean-up:
- Take out the lint filter and clean it thoroughly
- If you’ve got a vented dryer, detach the vent hose and clear out any fluff
- Check the outside vent isn’t blocked by leaves or debris
Many dryers have a reset button for the Thermal Overload Cut-out (TOC). You’ll usually find it at the back of your dryer – check your manual for the exact spot. Press it firmly and listen for a click. But remember – if your TOC keeps tripping, there’s likely a bigger problem that needs sorting.
Want to check the heating element? Look but don’t touch – electrical testing is best left to professionals. You can spot obvious damage like breaks in the coil, burn marks or signs of melting
Has your dryer passed all these checks but still won’t heat up? Time to think about calling a pro…
Some dryer problems need expert hands. Here’s when to pick up the phone:
- Electrical issues aren’t DIY territory. If you spot loose wires, smell burning, or notice the dryer tripping your circuit breaker, call a qualified technician right away. Your safety matters more than saving money on repairs.
- Still having trouble after trying all the fixes we’ve covered? A professional can spot problems you might miss and has the right tools to fix them properly. They’ll also make sure any replacement parts match your dryer’s specifications.
- Skip the YouTube repair videos if you’re not confident working with electrical appliances. A moment of doubt could lead to injury or more expensive repairs down the line.
- Some jobs need special tools and know-how. Replacing heating elements, thermostats, or fans isn’t as simple as swapping out parts – one wrong move could damage other components.
Need Expert Help With Your Dryer?
Qeeper’s qualified technicians are ready to help. Our appliance repair service covers quick fixes to full repairs, we’ll get your dryer working safely and efficiently, and comes with a 12 month guarantee on labour. Visit our quote page to request pricing based on your specific.
Book with confidence – we’re here to help you make the right choice for your appliance.
Keep your dryer running smoothly with these simple habits:
- Clean your lint filter every time you use your dryer. Yes, every single time – even if you’re in a rush. This five-second job saves hours of trouble later.
- Got a condenser dryer? Empty the water tank when it’s full and clean the condenser box monthly. Check your manual for how to do this properly.
- Vented dryer owners should check their vent hose every few months. A quick clean keeps the air flowing and your clothes drying faster.
- Don’t stuff your dryer full. Your clothes need room to tumble freely. If they can’t move, they won’t dry properly and your dryer will struggle.
- Pay attention to clothing labels and use the right settings. Delicate fabrics need gentle heat, while towels can handle higher temperatures.
- Let your dryer finish its cool-down cycle. This helps your clothes settle and prevents wrinkles.
- Book a service when your manufacturer recommends it. Regular check-ups catch small problems before they become big ones.
A non-heating tumble dryer isn’t always headed for the tip. Most times, a quick clean and check will get those clothes drying again. Your main takeaway? Clean that lint filter after every use – it’s the simplest way to keep your dryer running smoothly and safely.
Tumble dryer not drying your clothes? Start with the basics we’ve covered. You might save yourself a repair bill and get your dryer back to work sooner than you’d think. But remember – when in doubt, call a pro. Better safe than sorry with electrical appliances.
Want to keep track of your dryer maintenance? Pop a reminder in your phone to check the vents and filters monthly. Your dryer (and your energy bills) will thank you for it.