You don't need to buy a new dryer, repair it. I got a very high estimate on repair of the drum of our 30+ year old Kenmore dryer. ($235). The part was $33, a belt. The new dryers we looked at were too wide to get through our doors. So, using a plain ole' flathead screwdriver and the instructions on Ehow, I began to dismantle our Kenmore dryer.
Use a strong lighting source, and buy the belt at an appliance parts store. Shop around - I did not buy the $33 one, but found one for $20 in a closer location. After exposing the innards, I realized it was no more difficult than replacing a vacuum cleaner belt. Just more time-consuming. In the end, I was very pressed for time and phoned a repair person. (no, not Sears!) Their estimate was 1/3 of the estimate from the first place. The time spent on my job was less because I'd already dismantled the dryer.
So I combined DIY and an good repairperson. I learned something, too: older dryers, like our 30 year old dryer, have metal parts that don't wear out easily. Newer dryers have plastic parts that wear out in 5 years, requiring a service call. So, look on Craigslist or other swapping sites (freecycle, etc) for old dryers that are free. I learned that dryers, despite all the bells and whistles, well there is not a whole lot of difference, but a new dryer can cost over $1K!
By mary knight from Kensington, Maryland
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
I am having issues with my dryer leaving what looks like oil spots on a lot of my clothes that will not wash out. I have tried to eliminate all possibilities, cheap detergent, dryer sheets, even filling the washer with water and detergent before adding clothes. It doesn't happen to all my clothes, but enough. Is there anybody that has experienced this type of issue, and if so, how did you resolve it. Any info will be greatly appreciated.
Call a repair man your motor in the dryer could be causing it, or leaving lip stick or pens in your pockets.
There might be some oil leaking from the motor through the vent in the back of the dryer into the rotating drum. This is just a thought that came to me.
Come to think of it, I believe the motor is on the bottom. Could some oil be leaking in from a drive shaft that turns the drum?
Are you sure it is from your dryer? I have had that before and found out it was because the transmission from the washing machine had gone out and was losing the oil in the drum, splattering all of my clothes. It was more noticeable on my whites.
I hope this isn't the case but it might be a possibility. Good Luck.
Do you use liquid fabric softner? It can leave spots - I've always been able to get them out by rewashing.
Sounds like your washer or dryer is leaking oil. You will probably have to call a repair man for this one.
Happens to me too! I notice the spots on dark blue or black t-shirts mostly. I really can't believe that my washer and dryer are leaking oil because my old machines did it too.
I had the same problem. I have a brand new wash and dryer. I just thought it was my old one. I think it is from liquid fabric softener. When I rewashed the clothing it came out. I now only use dryer sheets for my darks and haven't had any problems.
A couple of my friends and I, too, had this problem
at one time. We all found that by either changing
liquid fabric softener or diluting it, or adding it by
hand when the rinse cycle was swishing around,
and not in the dispenser helped.
Rewashing the items removed them for me.
I have been having this same problem for months now, I don't use liquid fabric softner, I have had both machines serviced, it seems to only happen to mine and my 18 month old's dark clothes. Ah! I've tried washing and drying inside out, nothing seems to work! I'm starting to think it is something in my water! Sorry I can't help, can anyone else?
I don't use liquid fabric softner or dryer sheets but do use laundry soap WITH softner, could this be the cause?
I am reading my own complaint exactly. We are now in the process of dealing with the actual water coming into our home. We replaced water softner/hot water tank and now after having my washer/dryer serviced 4-5 times bought new ones and my first load had same issues.
It is so good to see others with the same problem. My friend and I are ready to send the clothes to CSI to get an answer! We too bought a new washer and dryer......same spots. I recently thought I had this sovled by using powder laundry detergent and dryer sheets. But, alas, spots yesterday. We thought it may be the water too but my friend has well water and we have city. There has to be an answer out there somewhere.
I had the same thing hapen to me, my parents thought I was crazy. I bought new clothes and took them to the laundry mat to wash them and brought them home to dry and got the same spots on clothes that were not washed in my home washing mechine that I had origianlly thought was the problem now I know its the dryer.
A solution and explanation that have worked for me:
I have had the same problem a number of times-- oil stains on dark clothes coming straight out of dryer; I assumed machine oil from the dryer, but the posts here suggesting fabric softener got me on the right track. I have a hand-me-down top-load Frigidaire washer and new Whirlpool Dryer. I never use fabric softener, but the prior owner may have because there is waxy buildup around and in the dispenser cup. On close examination (brushing fresh stains lightly with water and also feeling the stains' texture-- especially on smooth, thin cotton), I discovered that, surprisingly, the stains feel like wax at room temp.
I took out the dispenser cup completely and re- washed immediately with hot water. It worked!, and I am talking on a thoroughly stained batch of blue and black cotton t-shirts, summer dresses and polos. I have looked at other forums, and machine oil is apparently a possibility, but for me it looks like it was waxy residue from the dispenser (softener or maybe even something else) that doesn't dissolve in my usual cold wash, gets on the clothes in tiny amounts, and then goes in the hot dryer to cause those usually round, dark stains.
So whatever happened? I am having the same problem...
Little background
Last few years I have replaced my soft water unit
Changed my detergent...liquid to powder and brand several times.
Stopped using fabric softer in both my washer and dryer.
Had maintenance work and cleaned both units inside and out.
Finally got so frustrated went out and bought a new traditional washer and dryer, as I thought maybe soap was dripping down some how with my front load washer.
Guess what? I am still getting the spots!
I have never used fabric softener in my new washer and dryer. And I have again used both liquid and powder and switched brands
Help!
The only thing everybody has in common , they use a washing machine soap.
Perhaps ALL soaps have one problem incredient in common and that is why so many different scenarios cause the same problem.
I'm glad to know others are having spotting problems. I get the roundish grease-like stains on clean clothes that come out of the drier. Hard to tell if it's happening in the washer because, of course, the clothes are wet. But I have used Spray n Wash Stain Stick for years on all our stains and it works well on these mysterious spots too. It's just a pain rewashing 2 or 3 shirts from every load.
I just want to point out that several people who have posted comments about this issue have mentioned that they have had the washer repaired and are STILL getting the spots. So to those others who keep suggesting that its an issue with the motor, or transmission leaking oil, please pay attention to the comments before making suggestions. Obviously this common particular laundry stain is not coming from a leak. Another clue - most people say that the stains are only on the front of the clothing. What would make more sense is the hypothesis that it is a chemical reaction from things that get on the front of our clothing during the day, which are invisible to the naked eye, reacting with the soap and water in the washer. The reaction becomes evident after the clothes are dried.
As a NYC apartment dweller I have been using commercial washers and dryers forever, but lately I too have been noticing these oily type blotches on clothing. By the process of elimination, (line- drying) was ale to point to the culprit, the dryer. Somehow when they're maintained, I don't believe they (commercial establishment) do a thorough maintenance job. Somehow, I do believe that oil is seeping into the dryer tub and not an issue with fabric softener. Humble deduction only.
Some 20 yrs ago my sis & I discovered dryer sheets probable culprit for grease-like stains on colored, mostly knits or blends. Since then neither of us have use sheets or liquid softeners. 3 yrs ago I bought new washer/dryer for main floor as unsafe to navigate basement stairs. Grease spots again! Same water, same detergent. Started hanging clothes stead of drying. Same problem, so washer culprit. Used several washer cleaners no help. Logic told me that if washer leaking oil, it would be on all clothes but rarely on sheets, towels, underwear. Only my good stuff! Recently washed barely worn 100 percent rayon blouse. Large grease-like spot on very front! Hand-washed & used Shout, only thing I've found that gets these stains out at least sometimes (I have no connection to Johnson Co.). Hung up. Ok. But arthritic hands make hand-washing, wringing difficult. Have tried multiple detergents, incl "free," organic, natural. After experimenting these 3 yrs, I am convinced of some odd reaction between washer and colored, cotton, rayon, knits, and some other synthetics. Recommend we all contact washer/dryer manufacturers about problem. I've probably ruined $100s worth of clothes.
Yes the oil is coming from the dryer transmission seal. May need to replace the dryer which would be cheaper than repairing the transmission. The same thing happened to me. The clear oil came into the dryer from the vent inside the dryer from the drum belt which was picking up the oil from the leaky seal. Hope this helps.
I have a brand new he hexwasher and gas dryer. I quit using pods in washer, I quit using liquid fabric softener, I started letting washer fill with water b4 adding LIQUID detergent. Rewashing fixes greasy spots IF I spray with oxy clean and soak clothes in direct. I think my issue is with dryer bc spots are not seen whenvremoved from washer. Ugh. 2000k for this set and have spent over 2k replacing my husbands dress clothes for work. Still have the problem. Wish someone had a better answer. Ready to sit this pair to curb and buy and old set bc I never ever had this problem. GE will do nothing , I might add. Its always the consumers fault.
Sounds like the transmission leak is the culprit. Does everyone here have electric dryers? Do gas powered dryers have the same issues?
I find stains on my clothes after washing them. I have a top load washer with fabric softener dispenser in the center. I took it apart only to find the most disgusting thick oily build up of old fabric softener that could easily be released into the wash cycle. I cleaned all the parts and put them back in the washer. I haven't seen those stains on my clothes since. Now I clean the fabric softener dispenser parts monthly to remove any build up. Hope this helps.
Same with me, new set same spots. Did you every solve the mystery?
Try adding 1 cup vinegar to wash. And put a large towel soaked in a degreaser deluted to dryer,. Medium heat until towel is dry. Wipe out before you use it. Sometimes the static in a dryer can cause oil spots or chemicals to serface on
your cloths from everyday things we come into contact with . You might have to clean and repeat this procedure with washer monthly. Adding vinegar gives whites and colors a boost. And for the dryer , you could get a ground wire installed for the static. Dryers should already be equipped with it. But check. One last thought. Never mix Bleach with Vinegar. To unstable. Good luck.
I get the spots on the front AND the back of my t-shirts.
Brand new dryer, had small black spots in the back of the drum when it was delivered. Wipe it off, but more reappear after the dryer runs. The spots are scattered like something splatted on the back of the dryer on the inside.
What would cause this in a brand new dryer?
I would contact the manufacturer or store you bought it from. You might have gotten a faulty version or one that had an excess of oil or something. I would be worried that those spots will come off on your clothing.
I imagine that they will clean off over time but it's also possible that there is a small leak, which means they will just keep reappearing until the dryer runs out of lubricant (or whatever the dots are). Not worth the risk, especially if it is brand new.
I have same issue with kids dark cotton clothes. If I hang them up to dry instead of using dryer they NEVER end up with the spots. Takes longer to dry but been doing this for a year and not once have I seen a spot now.
Did any one ever resolve this issue? Ive been having this issue for the last year and have had my washer looked at by two different companies, never use fabric softener, changed detergents several times, Im at my wits end, and have no idea what it could be. All the repair men tell me its probably not my dryer but Could it be the dryer?
I have also found that dryer sheets have oils in them and my blacks come out with oily spots. My dryer was recently serviced and I don't use any softener. I take a toothbrush and dip it into a partial cup of liquid detergent and lightly rub the spots. That usually works for me. I have those paper ones that dissolve but found they aren't cleaning men's shirts well.
I have oil coming from between the top of the dryer and the controls. What would cause this?
The motor could be leaking oil. You should have it serviced
Are you positive something is not leaking down on it vs coming out of the dryer? Dryers these days use very little oil, it usually is not yellow, and none of it would be coming out of the top. What is above the dryer? It almost looks like cooking oil. Any chance it is from a cabinet above leaking down? Post back what you learn!
I am hoping someone out there can help me. I am desperate for some good electrical advice. About 2 1/2 months ago my dryer stopped working. I assumed the dryer motor went bad because when you pushed the button for it to start it just hummed at you. After verifying that the belt was still good we disposed of the dryer. I was then given a very old dryer that was said to be good. It did the same thing as my old dryer did so I disposed of that one as well.
I would check the circuit breaker. Believe it or not, they do go bad. You just pop it out and pop a new one in. Cost is minimal!!!
You didn't say if you were using the original "plug in" or Pig tale....The length of wire running from the dryer to the plug.....it could be shorting or not in good condition inside....or even have one "leg" broken.so it is only drawing 110 instead of 220....as could the part it plugs in to....wiring is a tricky subject......someone needs to check it all out with a volt meter....and make sure you have continuity to every part of the wiring......and of course you could of changed from one bad breaker to another bad breaker......You didn't say if any of them EVER worked in your house.....perhaps it is in the 220 wiring outside...does your kitchen range use electricity...or is there any thing else in your home that draws 220...
Sending hugs of understanding for your frustration!
Ace's Nanna
My husband is an electrician, and after reading your problem and the few replies, here's his suggestion. Check the neutral in both the breaker box and the receptacle because the neutral is very important. The control uses 110 (one leg & neutral). The heating element uses 220. Test from one side of the 220 to the neutral - the slant hole to the L shaped hole of the receptacle. Hope this makes sense. I tried to translate from electrican talk. He also recommends a Time Life Book "Fix It Yourself - Major Applicances". It has very basic, but very well written, easy to understand photos, diagrams and instructions.
You could call your local vo-tech school. Sometimes their students will come out and make repairs for low cost as part of class. Also, call your IBEW, electrician's union, and see if they are training any apprentices. They too may do the work cheap as a learning experience.
I have now tried a new wire from the breaker box to the dryer and a new receptacle and that still has not fixed the problem. As stated in the original post a new breaker has already been tried. Voltage has been tested on both the old wire as well as the new wire and that all test out good.
The best advice you should follow is to call a LICENSED, INSURED, QUALIFIED Electrician to fix your problem.
By doing this you will be able to sleep knowing that it was done right the first time.
I have water accumulating in my clothes dryer. Has anyone had this problem before? I cannot imagine where this water is coming from. I have to dry my dryer before each use.
