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Laundry Room: Preventing Dryer Mold, Mildew & Overheating in Humid June

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June brings high humidity levels in Greenville (64%) and Asheville (73%), which can lead to a variety of problems in your laundry room.

With increased laundry loads from summer activities like beach trips and barbecues, the combination of moisture and heat can cause mold, mildew, and dryer issues. If your laundry room feels humid and uncomfortable during the drying cycle, it’s a sign that your dryer’s venting system may be compromised.

Let’s dive into how you can prevent these problems and keep your dryer running safely and efficiently.

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Key Takeaways

  • High humidity during June can cause mold, mildew, and overheating in dryers.

  • Clean your lint trap regularly and inspect the dryer vent to prevent airflow issues.

  • Overheating, odors, and inefficient drying can often be traced back to poor ventilation or blockages.

Common Dryer Problems and Causes

Dryers are essential, but they can face problems during the summer months due to excess moisture and humidity. Let’s take a look at some of the most common dryer issues and what causes them

dryer mold buildup

1. Lack of Heat and Poor Drying

When your dryer isn’t heating properly, the cause is usually poor airflow. This can happen if the dryer vent is clogged, or if the heating element itself is faulty. Without proper airflow, clothes will take longer to dry, or the dryer may not produce heat at all.

Solution:

  • Clean the Lint Trap: Always clean the lint trap after every load to maintain airflow.

  • Check for Clogs in the Vent: Inspect the vent system for blockages. Ensure the vent is properly connected and not kinked.

 

2. Mold and Mildew Odors

The high humidity during June fosters mold and mildew growth. If wet clothes are left in the dryer for too long, or if the vent system is blocked, moisture can linger in the dryer, creating an environment perfect for mold growth. You might notice a musty smell every time you run the dryer.

Solution:

  • Leave the Door Open: After each use, leave the dryer door slightly cracked open to let the interior air dry.

  • Clean with Bleach: Use a diluted bleach solution to clean the inside of the tub and door to remove any mold and mildew.

 

3. Dryer Leaking Water

Dryers can leak water if their exhaust ducts or lint filters are clogged. This is usually a result of poor airflow, which forces moisture to accumulate inside the dryer.

Solution:

  • Inspect the Exhaust Duct: Ensure that the duct is clear of debris and not disconnected.

  • Clean the Lint Filter: A clogged lint filter reduces airflow, so make sure it’s cleaned after every load.

 

4. Overheating

Overheating in dryers is often caused by restricted airflow. Blockages in the vent system, kinked transition hoses, excessive lint buildup, or an exhaust outlet that doesn’t open fully can all contribute to overheating.

Solution:

  • Check for Blockages: Clean the vent system regularly and make sure there are no obstructions.

  • Ensure Proper Placement: Keep the dryer placed properly with adequate space from the walls to promote airflow.

When to Call a Professional

While many dryer issues can be resolved through regular cleaning and maintenance, some problems require professional assistance. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s time to call a professional:

  • No Heat or Poor Drying Performance: If cleaning the filter and vent system doesn’t fix the lack of heat, the heating element or thermostat might need replacement.

  • Frequent Overheating or Tripped Circuit Breakers: Overheating caused by poor ventilation might require an electrician to inspect and repair the wiring or electrical components.

  • Obstructed or Damaged Venting System: If the dryer vent hose is damaged or too long, or if the vent has too many elbows, a professional technician will need to assess and fix the system to ensure proper airflow.

  • Burning Smells: A burning smell coming from the dryer is a serious safety concern and requires immediate professional attention.

When to Call a Professional

While DIY steps can help prevent many common electrical issues, there are times when it’s necessary to bring in a professional. Here are a few scenarios that require an electrician’s expertise:

1. Overloaded or Under-Sized Circuits

If your home’s circuits aren’t strong enough to handle the increased summer load, it’s time to upgrade. An electrician can assess and upgrade undersized circuits or electrical panels.

2. Loose Connections or Rust in Electrical Panels

Loose connections in your electrical panel can cause dangerous overheating. If you notice any rust or signs of wear, it’s important to call a pro to inspect and repair it.

3. Frequent Tripped Breakers

If your breakers trip frequently, it may be a sign that your system is overloading or that there is an issue with the wiring. This requires professional attention to prevent damage to your appliances.

4. Burning Smells

If you smell burning or see smoke coming from any electrical wiring, it’s critical to call an electrician immediately. This could indicate a serious fire hazard.

5. Pool and Spa Wiring

If you have a pool or spa, it’s essential to have specialized inspections for their wiring. The combination of high humidity and water exposure can increase the risk of electrical hazards.

Protecting Your Appliances and Home Safety

The high humidity and heat of June can create a “microclimate” in your laundry room that accelerates wear and tear on your dryer. Moisture and heat make the electrical components of your dryer more vulnerable, causing reduced efficiency and shortening the appliance’s lifespan. Without proper ventilation, dryers may work harder, consuming more energy and potentially creating a fire hazard due to lint buildup.

Installing a whole-house surge protector, maintaining optimal airflow, and ensuring your dryer vent system is clear are key steps in safeguarding both your appliances and your home. Proper dryer care is not just about making sure your clothes get dry; it’s about protecting your investment and keeping your home safe from potential hazards.

dryer in laundry room

Conclusion

By understanding the potential issues that come with the humid summer months in Greenville, SC, and taking steps to maintain your dryer, you can ensure that your laundry room stays safe and functional all season long.

Regular cleaning and inspection of the lint trap, vent system, and internal components are essential to preventing mold, mildew, and overheating. For more complex repairs, always call in a professional to avoid damaging your appliance or risking your home’s safety.

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FAQs

1. How can I prevent mold and mildew in my dryer?
To prevent mold and mildew, always leave the dryer door slightly open after each use to let it air dry. Additionally, clean the inside of the dryer tub with a bleach solution and regularly inspect the vent system for blockages.

2. Why is my dryer overheating?
Overheating is often caused by restricted airflow due to blockages in the vent system, excessive lint buildup, or a kinked hose. Ensure the vent system is clear and that there are no obstructions around the exhaust outlet.

3. When should I call a professional for dryer problems?
If your dryer isn’t heating, frequently trips breakers, or you notice a burning smell, it’s best to call a professional. A technician can inspect and repair the electrical components, vent system, or heating element for you.

Expert Appliance Repairs

Don’t stress. Appliance GrandMasters provides professional appliance installation and repair services to keep your appliances in top condition. Let our skilled technicians handle the work, ensuring your appliances run smoothly and efficiently. Contact us today for all your appliance repair needs in Greenville.

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Greenville, Greer, Taylors, Simsponville, Mauldin, Easley, Pickes, Liberty, Pelzer, Williamston, Spartanburg, Honea Path, Belton, Piedmont, Travelers Rest, Wellford, Fountain Inn, Moore, Reidville, Duncan, Lyman, Boiling Springs, Inman, Campobello, Landrum

About Appliance GrandMasters

agm rebranding

Formerly known as Mr. Rogers Appliances, we rebranded our appliance repair company to Appliance GrandMasters in June 2020. Since then, we have focused on developing our brand to be customer-oriented. 

Fixing appliances has become a passion for us. We enjoy challenges, and we are always preparing and updating ourselves to become the very best.

We accomplish swift and top-notch service by employing efficient and friendly customer service procedures that guarantee accurate answers and solutions. 

Our approach involves the careful selection and comprehensive training for the necessary skills to fulfill our customers’ needs. Through these strategies, we strive to consistently provide exceptional service.