Dryers are known to be loud appliances, but if your dryer has suddenly become louder or noisier than usual, there may be a serious underlying issue that requires your attention.
While you may require the help of a professional to diagnose and address the cause of your loud dryer fully, there are some minor issues that you can take care of yourself with little to no technical knowledge.
In this article, I’ll explore some potential causes of loud dryer noises, as well as some possible solutions you can try at home. Let’s take a closer look at why your dryer is loud and what you can do about it.
In a hurry and don’t want to go through the entire article? Here are some key takeaways for you. Dryers are loud machines, but if you observe your dryer to be louder than usual, one of these reasons could be to blame:
- There could be a build-up of lint in the drum.
- The belt may be damaged or broken.
- There may be an issue with the ventilation or exhaust system.
- The motor or blower could be malfunctioning.
- An imbalance in the drum.
To find out exactly what is happening, you may try to have a closer look for a visual inspection and see if there is any lint build-up or if the belt or other components look damaged. If you’re comfortable doing so, you can also try to troubleshoot the issue yourself by testing your dryer with different settings or unplugging and replugging it again.
If none of these DIY fixes work, it’s best to contact a professional for further assistance.
If you are interested in knowing more about why your dryer is so loud, read on. I’ll explain the reasons mentioned above in more detail and then share some valuable tips and tricks to help resolve loud dryer noises.
Before performing any inspection that involves touching your dryer or its components, be sure to disconnect the appliance from the power outlet and make sure that it is cool to the touch. Wear gloves if necessary.
Remember to exercise caution and follow all safety instructions when working with electrical appliances.
Why Is Your Dryer So Loud?
As one of the loudest appliances in your home, it’s no surprise that many people find loud dryers incredibly frustrating and annoying. However, there are several possible causes of abnormally loud noises from your dryer, including:
1. A Build-Up of Lint in the Drum
With continuous usage and time, dryers tend to accumulate lint within their drum, affecting how loud or noiseless your dryer operates. This can also happen if you’re drying delicate fabrics that shed a lot of lint.
How To Check for Lint Build-Up and Remove It Yourself
To check for lint build-up in your dryer drum, you can first unplug the appliance and allow it to cool down completely. Then, open the door and remove the drum, exposing the lint filter at the top of your dryer.
Inspect this area for any signs of lint build-up, and remove any clumps or excess lint using a damp cloth or brush.
2. A Damaged or Broken Belt
If you don’t find any lint build-up in your dryer drum, a damaged or broken belt may be causing your loud dryer noises. This can occur if you’re drying particularly heavy loads or using a low-quality fabric softener, which can lead to the belt breaking and the dryer becoming loud.
How To Check for a Broken Belt and Get It Replaced
To check if your dryer’s belt is broken, unplug it and let it cool down. Then, open up the dryer door, remove the drum, and locate the belt. If the belt is broken or damaged, it is time to replace it.
You can find the right specifications for the belt in your dryer’s manual or by contacting the manufacturer. You can try to do it yourself if you’ve got the technical know-how, but I recommend calling a professional to do this for you.
3. An Issue With the Ventilation or Exhaust System
Another common reason your dryer might be noisy is an issue with its ventilation system. If the ductwork or venting is blocked, damaged, or obstructed in any way, this can cause your dryer to work harder and become much louder than usual.
How To Inspect Your Ventilation System for Blockages or Damage
Open up the dryer door, remove the drum, and locate the venting system. Check the ductwork for any blockages, damage, or debris, and clear out any obstructions that you find.
4. A Worn-Out Motor or Blower
Sometimes, a dryer may become noisy because its motor is worn out. This is usually due to age or extended appliance use, and it can cause your dryer to sound very loud when in use.
How To Check if Your Dryer’s Motor Is Worn Out
To check if your dryer’s motor is worn out, you’ll need to open up the appliance and remove the drum. Once you have access to the motor, visually inspect it for any signs of wear or damage.
If it’s damaged, you can find the right motor for your dryer model by contacting the manufacturer or referring to your dryer’s manual.
5. An Imbalance in the Drum
If your dryer is making a thumping noise, it could be due to an imbalance in the drum. This usually occurs when there’s too much laundry in the dryer, causing it to become unbalanced and make loud noises.
How To Balance Your Dryer Drum
To balance your dryer drum, redistribute the clothes evenly around the drum and restart the dryer on a low setting. If you still hear the thumping noise, it’s possible that your dryer is too old or damaged to be balanced correctly.
In this case, I recommend calling a professional to take a look at your appliance.
- If your dryer is making a screeching noise, it could be due to a problem with the belt.
- If the noise comes from the dryer’s back, it’s likely an issue with the motor.
- If your dryer is making a rumbling noise, it’s probably due to an imbalance in the drum.
- If your dryer is making a thumping noise, it could be a loose change or another object caught in the drum.
Conclusion
If your dryer is making a loud noise, there are several possible causes. In most cases, the issue can be fixed by replacing a worn-out part or clearing out a blockage in the ventilation system. Or even balancing it out!
However, if your dryer is too old or damaged, you may need to replace it entirely.
If you’re unsure how to troubleshoot yourself, I recommend calling a professional to take a look at your appliance. They’ll be able to diagnose the problem and suggest the best course of action.
Happy laundry day!
Frequently Asked Questions
My Dryer Is Vibrating Badly and Making a Loud Noise. What Could Be Causing This?
There are several possible causes of a vibrating dryer, but the most common is an imbalance in the drum. This usually occurs when there’s too much laundry in the dryer, causing it to become unbalanced and make loud noises.
Try redistributing the clothes evenly around the drum; if that doesn’t work, call a professional to look at your appliance.
My Dryer Is Making a Rattling Noise. What Could Be Causing This?
A rattling noise from your dryer is usually caused by a loose change or other small objects that have fallen behind the dryer drum. To fix this, remove the objects and vacuum up any accumulated lint. If the noise persists, call a professional to take a look at your appliance.
I Think My Dryer Is Damaged Because of Overloading, and It Is Making a Loud Noise. What Should I Do?
If you think your dryer is damaged, call a professional to take a look at it. They’ll be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action. Sometimes, the dryer may be beyond repair and need to be replaced.
