Written by Cindy Bailen, veteran writer on major appliance and home design for 15+ years.
Updated March 21, 2023
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It’s great to be able to toss soaking wet clothes into the dryer and come back later to unload them, all fluffy and dry. But when a dryer runs too hot, it can be bad news for clothes, causing increased wear and tear.
To protect your clothes, you also need to care for your dryer. Regular maintenance and the right dryer settings will keep your clothes looking like new.
Aren’t dryers supposed to be hot?
Yes, dryers can be hot. Dryers work by pulling air in, heating it, and tumbling wet clothes through the warm air. Most dryers get rid of moisture by venting it to the outside.
The best dryers are capable of drying your clothes quickly at a temperature that is hot, but not so hot that it scorches or damages them. Temperatures under 150°F are gentle enough to get the clothes dry without causing harm.
In our testing lab, we measured peak dryer temperatures as low as 106°F and as high as 188°F. These temperature extremes are rare. The average top temperature for all the machines we’ve tested is close to the recommended 150°F.
Why is my dryer running too hot?
We checked in with the major laundry brands and they all agree: Dryers are not designed to run at temperatures greater than 150°F. The brands claim to be as concerned as we are about fabric care. So, since your dryer was not designed to run hotter, here are some other reasons a dryer might overheat, along with some regular maintenance you can do to prevent it.
1. Restricted air flow
According to GE Appliances, if air flow is blocked, a dryer’s internal temperature can rise, potentially causing a house fire.
Fire risk is a good reason to clean out your dryer’s lint filter every time you run a load.
Because some particles get past the filter, you also need to learn how to clean the vent and do it at least once a year.
What you find in the vent might surprise you. We’ve heard of cases where birds blocked a vent by building a nest inside.
2. Thermostat issues
Dr. Duct, a company that cleans dryer vents, says that if a dryer’s thermostat malfunctions, the dryer can run too hot. The company’s site says that replacing the thermostat is a relatively inexpensive fix. If you’re ambitious, you might try to do it yourself.
Temperatures under 150°F are gentle enough to get the laundry dry without causing harm.
3. A malfunctioning heating element
Home design site Hunker says that if the heating element has shifted or warped, the dryer may heat up too much and too quickly. If that’s the case, your dryer needs a new heating element and you may have to schedule a repair.
How can I protect my laundry from dryer damage?
“Tumble dry low” isn’t just a care label suggestion, it’s a best practice. Regardless of the cycle you select, use the control panel to turn the heat settings to low. Aside from cleaning out the lint filter every single time, this is the easiest way to take care of your clothes.
Which dryers run coolest?
Check our roundup of the best dryers to get a list of dryers that scored well on our performance tests. Then, choose a dryer that strikes the right balance between speedy cycles and cooler temperatures. Your clothes will thank you.
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Based on my expertise in appliance technology and home maintenance, I can delve into the intricacies of this article's content.
Firstly, the article emphasizes the significance of maintaining optimal dryer temperatures to prevent clothes from experiencing excessive wear and tear. Dryers function by drawing in air, heating it, and circulating it around wet clothes. However, when the temperature surpasses 150°F, it can potentially damage fabrics.
The article rightly points out factors that can cause a dryer to overheat:
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Restricted Air Flow: Blocked air vents or lint filters can impede airflow, leading to increased internal temperatures in the dryer. Regularly cleaning the lint filter and annually clearing the vent is crucial to prevent overheating and reduce fire hazards.
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Thermostat Issues: Malfunctioning thermostats can cause the dryer to run hotter than intended. Replacing a faulty thermostat is a relatively inexpensive solution to regulate temperatures effectively.
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Malfunctioning Heating Element: If the heating element is misaligned or damaged, it can cause the dryer to heat up excessively and quickly. In such cases, repairing or replacing the heating element becomes necessary to prevent further damage.
To safeguard your laundry from potential damage, the article advises users to opt for lower heat settings, regardless of the chosen drying cycle. This, coupled with diligent lint filter cleaning, is an effective way to maintain fabric integrity.
Moreover, the article touches upon selecting dryers that strike a balance between speedy drying cycles and cooler temperatures. This emphasizes the importance of choosing appliances that offer efficient performance without subjecting clothes to excessive heat.
The broader concepts covered in the article involve the functionality of dryers, the impact of temperature on fabric care, common issues leading to overheating, and preventative maintenance measures to ensure optimal dryer performance and fabric preservation.
