As the owner of Appliance Repairs Centre, with over 38 years of experience servicing tumble dryers, I often get asked why tumble dryers can become wet inside even when they are drying clothes. There are a few common reasons this happens, and understanding the root cause is key to fixing the issue.
Clogged Lint Trap or Vent Pipe
One of the most common reasons a tumble dryer becomes wet inside is a clog in either the lint trap or the vent pipe that vents to the outside. As the machine runs, moist air is supposed to flow out this vent. But if it becomes clogged with lint buildup over time, that moisture can’t escape and instead condenses along the inside surface of the drum.
Signs of a clog include longer drying times and feeling moisture along the inside of the drum even when a cycle finishes. To fix it, thoroughly clean the lint trap after each load. Then use a vent brush to clean the full length of the vent pipe itself to remove any blockages.
Improper or Overloaded Drying
Sometimes there is simply too much moisture in the drum for it all to evaporate. This can happen if clothes aren’t spun thoroughly enough after washing. It also happens if you overload the dryer with more wet laundry than the drum was designed to handle per cycle. The machine can’t keep up with evaporating all that residual water.
Make sure to always spin your washing machine’s highest spin cycle after washing. And don’t overload the dryer – use smaller loads if needed so everything gets fully dried. Too much moisture left sitting along the metal drum surfaces can lead to mold and odors over time.
Moisture Sensor Failure
Most modern tumble dryers have a moisture sensor that detects when laundry is dry and automatically shuts off.
If this sensor fails, the machine doesn’t know fabrics have dried and keeps heating and tumbling beyond the appropriate time. This can reintroduce moisture along the drum.
Other signs of a faulty sensor include clothes feeling over-dried or taking much longer to dry properly. A technician will need to test and potentially replace the faulty moisture sensor.
Vent Flow Issues
For vented tumble dryers (not condenser models), adequate airflow is required to carry moisture out from the drum. If the airflow becomes blocked or restricted, wetness can build up.
Check that foil-type flexible vent pipes haven’t become crushed or kinked. Make sure the exterior vent hood flapper opens fully when the dryer runs. And ensure lint or other debris hasn’t collected to block the vent.
Improving vent flow is key to creating the air movement required to properly dry loads.
Door Seal Problems
Most tumble dryer doors use a flexible rubber gasket to seal along the door opening when closed. If this seal becomes damaged or worn out over time, heated air can leak out instead of being contained within the drum to evaporate moisture.
Visually inspect the black rubber seal for any cracks or gaps. Run your hand along it to feel for consistent contact all the way around the opening. If air is leaking out, moisture can’t exit from the drum efficiently. Replacing a worn door seal will allow for proper drying again.
FAQs
What if my tumble dryer starts then stops soon after?
This is usually caused by a blockage in the vent pathway preventing the machine from heating up as designed. Thoroughly clean out the vent path and ducting to improve airflow.
Why does my dryer make a loud rattling noise when running?
Brackets or drum glide rollers designed to stabilize the rotating drum may have become worn or broken. As the drum wobbles around, it makes loud noises. Have an appliance repair technician inspect and replace any broken hardware.
Why does my laundry room fill with hot air when I run the dryer?
The machine might be overheating from a malfunction or blockage. But it’s also a sign your external venting isn’t functioning right to carry that hot, moist air outside properly. Have your vent inspected for any issues preventing adequate flow outside.
Next Steps If You Need Help
As you can see, many issues can arise causing extra moisture buildup inside a tumble dryer. My Appliance Repairs Centre technicians have the experience, diagnostic tools, parts on hand and expertise to troubleshoot your unique situation. We can solve unusual wetness issues inside your tumble dryer drum and prevent troublesome moisture-related problems from coming back in the future through our quality repair work.
Reach out to our team 24/7 for appliance help. We have a fast 48 hour turnaround and offer free call outs and quotes. With over 38 years of experience in Pretoria, Centurion and Midrand, we back all repairs with exceptional service. Contact us and let us make sure your tumble dryer is spinning and drying like normal once again!
