Also make sure to clean your retainer case regularly. Disconnect the old wires one at a time, connecting each corresponding new wire as you work, to make sure the connections are properly made. With any dryer, make absolutely sure that you replace the old belt with a new one made especially for the dryer. There are two very clear signs that the belt is malfunctioning: You can easily spin the drum by hand when the dryer is off, or you hear a heavy thumping sound coming from the drum when the dryer is running. Any difference in belts can change the speed of the drum and cause problems with other dryer components. With this system, two or three pulleys of different sizes set the speed of the drum. Also inspect the fan for a loose screw connection where the motor shaft is set on the dryer’s drum. The old belt may be threaded around the idler pulley and motor drive shaft.

To change this type of belt, decrease the tension on the idler pulley and install the new belt in the V-grooves of all pulleys. The new belt must extend around the dryer drum and the pulleys. Step 3: Remove the old belt from the pulleys and stretch the replacement belt into place. To clear a clogged air passage, remove the back service panel of the dryer and back out the screws holding the air duct in place. Step 1: Locate the belt by removing the back or front service panel. Step 4: Slip the new heating element into the heating duct the same way the old one came out. Step 3: Remove the screws that hold the heating element in the duct. Replace the screws that hold the heating element in the duct, reconnect the leads, and screw the unit back into position. A defective heating element is frequently the source of no-heat or drying problems. You can often correct such problems by adjusting the air shutter on the gas burner, which is located along the bottom of the dryer.

In a gas dryer, heat is provided by a gas heater that is controlled by an air shutter. If the reading is higher than 20 ohms, the heater is faulty and should be replaced. The meter needle should jump to a fairly high reading. Clip one probe of the meter to each timer terminal. The meter should read about 12 ohms. A heater connected to a 115-volt line usually has an 8.4-ohm resistance; a heater connected to a 220-volt line usually has 11 ohms resistance. To test for this, set the VOM to the RX1 scale and remove the leads to the heater. If you think a heating element is faulty, test it with a volt-ohm-milliammeter (VOM) set to the RX1 scale. By following the guidelines below, you can inspect the heating elements on a gas or electric dryer to pinpoint the source of the problem. Learn how to assess heating problems for gas and electric dryers in the next section. Electric heating elements, found in electric dryers, are self-contained units located in the back of the dryer. Electric ignition systems are always sealed; you can’t adjust or repair them.

If an electric ignition device fails, call a professional service person for replacement. Gas dryers use an electric ignition device rather than a pilot light to light the gas heater: An element becomes hot and glows like the filament in a lightbulb. Use liquid soap. Bar soap contains fatty acids and talc, which increases the buildup of soap scum. Regular cleaning every one to two weeks with a vinegar and water solution can help prevent the buildup of lime and calcium. Using the upholstery cleaner is easy: Press the trigger to spray water and cleaning solution on a stain. Label the spray bottle so everyone in your household knows what’s inside. Ask a seasoned mom or dad who knows how to wash newborn clothes, and you’ll likely get a very clear response in the affirmative. If you’re using it on couches and chairs, you may find yourself making a few extra passes and sprays to get the job done.