Dryer Damaging Clothes

The filter cover holds the lint filter in place. If the filter cover is broken or damaged, clothes can get caught and tear on the cover. Inspect the filter. If the filter cover is cracked or damaged it will need to be replaced.

One or more of the drum roller axles might be worn out. Most dryers have two drum support rollers on the rear of the drum, and some dryers have two more rollers, supporting the front of the drum. Over time, the drum rollers and axles wear out, causing a loud rumbling noise and the drum to drop down and have a wider gap at the bottom allowing clothes to get caught in the gap. To determine if the drum roller axles are worn out, remove the belt from the dryer and try turning the drum by hand. If the drum does not rotate freely, check the support rollers for wear. If the rollers spin freely without wobbling, the axles do not need to be replaced. If a roller wobbles and/or does not spin freely, we recommend replacing all of the axles and rollers as a preventative measure.

One or more of the drum rollers might be worn out. Many dryers have two drum support rollers on the rear of the drum, and some dryers have two more rollers supporting the front of the drum. When the drum rollers are worn out, they can cause the dryer to make a loud rumbling noise and if worn badly the drum will drop down and have a wider gap at the bottom allowing clothes to get caught in the gap. To determine if the rollers are worn out, inspect the rollers. If one or more of the rollers are severely worn, we recommend replacing all of the rollers at the same time as a preventative measure (The roller shaft can often be reused if it is in good condition. Clean the shaft thoroughly before installing the new rollers).

Felt seals are used to keep the hot air from escaping from around the drum. Depending on the model you may only see one around the front or one around the front and one at the rear of the drum. If the felt seal gets torn or is missing, clothes can get caught inbetween the drum and the outer housing often called a "shroud". Open the door and inspect the felt seals for damage and replace them if necessary.

Most dryers have two drum support rollers on the rear of the drum, and some dryers have two more rollers supporting the front of the drum. The rollers must spin freely to work properly. Over time, the drum roller axles can wear out, causing the rollers to wobble. The drum will drop down and have a wider gap at the bottom allowing clothes to get caught in the gap. To determine if the support rollers are worn out, remove the belt from the dryer and try turning the drum by hand. If the drum does not rotate freely, check the support rollers for wear. If the rollers spin freely without wobbling, they do not need to be replaced. If a roller wobbles and/or does not spin freely, we recommend replacing all of the axles and rollers as a preventative measure.

Screws, nails and other objects can get caught in the drum seal or air intake grill and damage the clothes. Use a flashlight to inspect the inner drum. You can also use a cloth to rub around the drum interior to see if it catches on anything. Remove any objects you find. If the inlet grill or other interior parts are damaged, the part will need to be replaced.

If the drum baffle becomes loose or falls off, clothes can get snagged and torn. Check to see if the drum baffles are tight against the drum. If the baffles are loose they can be tightened. If they are cracked or broken they will need to be replaced.