Dryer Making Unusual Noises? Tips from UK Appliance Repair Experts
Tumble dryers are one of those appliances that make life so much easier. They take the stress out of laundry days by drying your clothes quickly and keeping them fresh and clean. But what do you do when your reliable dryer starts making strange noises?
Whether it’s a loud bang, an annoying squeak, or a grinding sound you’ve never heard before, unusual dryer noises usually mean something isn’t quite right. In this post, we’ll help you figure out what those sounds might mean, what could be causing them, and how to fix the issue—plus when to call in the experts at Appliance Repairs, your trusted UK repair service.
Types of Noises and What They Mean
1. Loud Banging or Thumping
If your dryer sounds like it’s working too hard, it could be due to an uneven load. Heavy clothes, such as jeans or towels, might be bunched up and thudding against the drum. Try stopping the cycle, rearranging the clothes, and rerunning it.
However, if the banging persists doesn’t, it may be a sign of worn drum rollers or bearings—these components help the drum spin smoothly. If they’re damaged, you’ll likely need a technician to inspect them. That’s where Appliance Repairs can help.
2. Grinding Sounds
Hearing a grinding noise? That usually means metal parts are rubbing against each other—never a good sign. It could be worn drum glides, a damaged drum bearing, or even a coin stuck in the drum.
Sometimes, the drive belt is to blame, especially if it’s old or has slipped out of place. It’s best to stop using the dryer and get it checked out quickly before more damage occurs.
3. Squeaking or Squealing
If your tumble dryer starts making high-pitched squeaks or squealing sounds, it’s usually a sign that something is wearing out. Common culprits include a loose or worn drive belt, dry or worn drum wheels, or a faulty idler pulley. These parts are responsible for helping the drum turn smoothly during a cycle. Over time, they can dry out, stretch, or wear down—especially with regular use. In most cases, lubricating or replacing these components will stop the noise. If you’re unsure about how to do that safely, our team at Appliance Repairs is here to help with fast and reliable service.
4. Vibrating or Humming
Some light vibration is normal when your dryer is running, but if it starts to shake excessively or makes a loud humming noise, something isn’t right. The most common reason is that the dryer isn’t sitting evenly on the floor, which can cause it to wobble during cycles. Other possible causes include loose internal components or a worn-out blower fan. Try placing the dryer on a level surface first. If that doesn’t resolve doesn’t the issue, it’s best to call a professional to inspect it before any further damage occurs.
5. Unusual Noises Could Indicate Bigger Problems
Unusual noises are often early warning signs of bigger issues. If left unchecked, what starts as a minor squeak or vibration could turn into a costly repair. For example, a worn bearing or drum roller, if left unaddressed, could damage the drum itself, leading to more severe mechanical problems. Likewise, a fraying drive belt might eventually snap, causing the drum to stop spinning altogether. That’s why it’s crucial not to ignore any unusual sounds coming from your machine.
Professional Help Makes All the Difference
Attempting to repair a dryer without proper tools or experience can lead to further damage or even safety hazards, especially with electrical or gas-powered units. At Appliance Repairs, our qualified engineers are trained to quickly identify the root of the problem and repair it safely. We carry the most common replacement parts and aim to complete repairs on the first visit whenever possible. Whether your dryer is squeaking, thumping, or humming, we’ve got the skills and experience to bring it back to quiet, efficient operation.
Final Thoughts
Your tumble dryer is supposed to make life easier, not louder. If it starts making unusual noises, don’t ignore it. From banging to grinding and squeaking, these sounds typically indicate minor issues that can escalate into significant problems if left unaddressed.
Need help fixing it? Contact Appliance Repairs today—we offer fast, professional tumble dryer repairs across the UK. Whether it’s a minor fix or a complete part replacement, we’ll get your machine running quietly again in no time.
