The high-pitched sound of the dryer is enough to ruin your laundry day. As soon as the dryer is started, you will hear this annoying sound. The noise is loud, continuous, and unavoidable. It may not sound serious, but the sound of a clothes dryer squeaking could be a warning. Squeaking can be caused by wear and tear, loose components, or even a little neglect. Check your tumble dryer before it breaks. What’s the good news? Most squeaks don’t cause real damage. Ignoring them can lead to bigger problems in the future. We’ll investigate what is causing the noise and show you how to fix it.
What causes a squeaky dryer?
No, the squeaks or squeals are not ghostly. These sounds usually indicate that something is worn out or stuck. A dryer making screeching noise is usually a sign that something is not spinning or gliding as it should. What are the most common culprits? Belts, rollers, or lint buildup in the wrong places are usually to blame. If one part of the dryer is not working properly, it can cause a clothing dryer squeals. The motor or the back rollers could be to blame. A Samsung dryer squealing isn’t rare either. Some of the parts in newer models wear out faster under heavy usage. The longer you delay, the more serious it becomes.
Reason #1: Clogged
Clogs may seem simple, but they’re super frustrating. Debris like hair and dust builds up fast. When airflow gets blocked, dryers have to work harder. The extra strain? It makes your machine louder. You might hear a dryer squeaking sound even if the vent or lint trap is jammed. It’s wild how many service calls are fixed just by unclogging a vent line. Restricted airflow also leads to overheating inside. If your dryer is making squealing noise, check the basics first. Clear everything out. Give those vents a deep clean.
Reason #2: Dryer belt
The dryer belt is a loop that wraps around the drum to help it rotate. Over time, it can crack or loosen. It starts making noise when it slips or stretches too much. Usually, it’s a rhythmic squeak that rises and falls with the spin. If your clothes dryer squealing sounds like it’s coming from the bottom or back of the drum, the belt’s probably the issue. It’s one of those parts people forget until it breaks. But no, your dryer’s not ruined. The belt’s just calling it quits after a long, solid run. If you’re handy, it’s an easy part to replace.
Reason #3: Igniter issues
This one is a little trickier. You may hear strange sounds when using a gas-powered dryer. The igniter could be having problems. This is not the most common reason for squeaks, but it does happen. It’s especially if the dryer is misfiring or if debris gets in its way. This can cause the dryer squeaking noise. You shouldn’t mess around with this unless you are familiar with gas appliances. An igniter that is faulty could cause more than noise.
How to fix a squeaky dryer?
You’ve identified the source of the noise. What now? It’s good to know that, in many cases, a dryer squeaking noise does not mean you have to replace the unit. This means that some maintenance is due. Cleaning out the buildup and lubricating the moving parts is usually required to fix a squeaky washer. Checking for wear and tightening any loose items is also important. When you hear a dryer making screeching noise, it’s usually a sign that there’s friction. Do not ignore the noise. It’s okay if you aren’t handy.
Lubricate the dryer
Your dryer may only need a little lubrication. Metal rubbing against metal can cause squeaks. This is especially true in areas like the rollers of the drum, bearings, or shafts. When your dryer making squealing noise, it could be due to dry parts. You should use a lubricant designed for high-heat equipment and not kitchen oil or WD-40. This stuff can attract dust and burn off quickly. The best lubricant is a dry Teflon or silicone-based lubricant. You should apply lubricant if you hear noises coming from the drum or behind the panel. Even a small amount of lubricant can be enough to stop the squeaky dryer noise.
Check the dryer belt
If your clothes dryer squeaking has a sort of rhythmic chirping sound, the belt could be slipping or starting to crack. This part is wrapped around the drum to help it rotate. Belts can stretch, fray, or even break over time. When they wear down, they also make noise. The belt may even cause black dust to appear inside the cabinet. Unplug your dryer and take off the front or top panel, depending on the model. It’s time to repair the dryer’s belt if it looks brittle or loose.
Worn-out dryer motor
The motor could be to blame if you have checked everything, including the belt and rollers. But your dryer is squeaking. Before they stop completely, motors may squeal loudly, grind, or hum. You might have a motor failure if your dryer is making loud noise and also smells off. It’s not a fix you can do yourself unless it’s something you’ve done before. It’s possible to burn out a motor by forcing it. Contact us; BTB Appliance Repair offers expert service for the GTA. You don’t have to guess. We will fix it fast and safely.