How to Troubleshoot and Fix a Dryer With Steam Coming Out
If you’ve been having issues with steam coming out of your dryer or your dryer steaming up your laundry room when you open the door, we are here to help. Steam can be used as a specific feature within some dryers as a normal part of the drying cycle, but if your model of dryer doesn't feature a steam function and you're seeing steam coming out of the door, it’s usually a sign that there’s an issue within your appliance, especially when your clothes aren’t drying. Usually, when steam is coming out of your dryer when it shouldn't, it's an airflow issue. That's why we've prioritized checking for vent issues, as clogs can lead to airflow restrictions, and thus steam build-up. In terms of parts, your lint trap being clogged can cause steam issues in the same way as a clogged vent can. The blower wheel is another common culprit for your dryer spewing steam, and we'll show you how to inspect this part, too!
No matter what the cause is – whether your dryer vent needs cleaning or there’s a part that needs to be replaced – we’ve got the information to help you solve your issue! We’ve prepared this straightforward guide with our repair experts to help you figure out exactly what is causing your dryer’s excess steam issues, as well as how to fix it and get your dryer back to fully-working condition!
Using This Page, You Will be Able to Troubleshoot the Following Symptoms
- Steam Coming Out of the Dryer Door When It Is Opened
Inspect This Common Issue First
If your dryer is hot or has steam coming out of it when you open the door, be sure to check this common problem area before moving onto the next section.
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Inspect the Vent Airflow Around the Dryer
After you’ve cleaned out your lint trap, you’ll want to inspect the area around your dryer to make sure there isn’t anything obstructing proper airflow from entering and exiting your dryer’s vents. Improper venting and airflow around your dryer can lead to excess heat building up inside your dryer, which causes the steam.
Common Parts You May Need to Replace
The parts shown below can cause steam to come out of a dryer. More information, such as part descriptions, 3D renderings, and installation instructions, are available on the individual part pages.
- Vent The vent provides airflow to enable your dryer to get rid of excess fabric debris and heat. When the vent is clogged or not functioning properly, it can be a serious issue, and the first sign can be steam.
- Lint Trap Working in tandem with the vent, a lint trap secures any excess fabric debris during the drying cycle. If it’s not cleaned out regularly, it can become clogged and cause overheating and moisture buildup.
- Blower Wheel The blower wheel pushes air through the dryer cabinet to dry your clothes during the cycle. If it gets clogged with lint, it can lead to moisture and heat buildup.
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