You rely on your clothes dryer to help you manage your regular routine, so when it malfunctions or breaks down, the inconvenience can be profound. In some cases, simple troubleshooting is all that is required to get your dryer running again, while other issues are more complex and require the expertise of a dryer repair in puyallup specialist.

We’ve all been there at least once. You’ve got a ton of tasks to attend to, and laundry is at the top of your list. You figure, “why not kill two birds with one stone?,” so you load up the dryer, set the timer, and go off to attend to your other responsibilities. Forty-five minutes later, you’re back in the laundry room only to be faced with a pile of cold, damp clothing. Few things are as frustrating. If your dryer is malfunctioning, it can put a serious crimp in your daily routine. Who has the time to lug loads of laundry back and forth from the laundromat, or to wait for clothes to line dry? The good news is that there are a number of simple steps that you can take to restore your dryer to full functionality without costing you a fortune!

The first step when it comes to any type of appliance repair is to determine what exactly is causing the issue. Does the dryer start? Does it heat up and tumble? Are the clothes taking too long to try? The answers to these questions will help you target the source of the problem. Here are some easy troubleshooting steps:

* Make sure the dryer is plugged in–Sure, it may seem like common sense, but dryer performance complaints that end by plugging the cord into the outlet are more common than you’d think.

* Check for and replace any blown fuses–Depending on the age and model, your dryer can use a lot of power. This can lead to blown fuses and tripped circuits, especially in homes with older electrical systems. It should be relatively easy to replace the fuse or reset the breaker, but if the issue repeats itself, you should contact a professional electrician.

* Clean the lint trap–If your clothes are taking a long time to dry, a full lint trap may be the culprit. If the lint trap is full, air can not circulate properly in the dryer, and the machine is forced to work longer than necessary to dry your clothes. A clogged lint filter can also cause the dryer to overheat, putting your appliance at risk for a fire. To avoid potential hazards and keep your dryer working at optimal levels, it is important to clean the lint filter immediately following each load.

* Check the dryer hose and exhaust vent–If your lint trap is clean, and the clothes are still taking a long time to dry, you may need to clean the dryer hose and exhaust vent. Over time, lint can accumulate, blocking the hose or preventing the exhaust trap from opening. You can use a vacuum and/or a long-handled bristle brush to clean out any excess lint buildup.

If all else fails, check your dryer repair manual. Most dryer manufacturers include a list of common troubleshooting steps and dryer repair issues. Your repair manual may also include part numbers and descriptions for commonly replaced parts, such as belts and knobs. In addition, most dryer repair manuals break down the steps for proper maintenance such as vent cleaning and electrical specifications, so you can keep your dryer working in its best possible condition.