Your dryer does not spin if the drum inside doesn't turn when you start a cycle. The lack of motion is almost always caused by an obstruction in the lint trap, lint filter, or exhaust vent. If your dryer won't spin, follow these troubleshooting steps to get it working again and reduce repair costs. If you've ruled out safety switches or timers as the cause for your dryer not spinning and you're sure the issue isn't with the exhaust vent or lint filter, we can help you diagnose and fix this problem.

To troubleshoot your non-spinning dryer, unplug it from the outlet and inspect the lint trap for any clogs or debris. If nothing gets caught in there, check to see if a sock, shirt, or other small pieces of clothing has been left inside after a recent load. If no clothing is stuck in the dryer and it still will not spin, continue reading below on how to repair this problem yourself—it can be done!

There are a few potential reasons why your dryer may not be spinning. One possibility is that the belt that turns the drum has come off or broken. Another possibility is that the motor that powers the drum has failed. Finally, there could be an issue with the motor's switch. To troubleshoot, check if the belt is intact and attached properly.

If not, replace the belt. If the belt seems to be fine, then check the motor. If the motor is not running, then replace it. If the motor is running, but the drum is not spinning, then the problem is likely with the switch.

Quick Fixes

• Ensure that the dryer is plugged in and that the circuit breaker is turned on
• Clean the lint filter
• Clean the dryer vent
• Check for a clogged vent
• Check for a tripped circuit breaker
• Check to make sure that the lint screen is clean.
• Check to see if the dryer is overloaded.
• Check to see if the vent is blocked.
• Check for a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse.
• Check to see if the drive belt is broken.

Dryer Exhaust Vent Check

A clogged or partially blocked dryer exhaust vent can cause your dryer not to tumble properly, preventing it from spinning. Exhaust vents are designed to allow air to escape from the dryer and travel up to the outside of the house. If your dryer vent is blocked, excess pressure can build up inside the dryer, preventing it from turning. In most cases, this is a minor issue that can be resolved by cleaning out the dryer duct.

You'll need a small flashlight to check if your dryer exhaust vent is clogged. First, unplug the dryer from the outlet and open the door. Next, look up through the exhaust opening in the back of the dryer. You may need to clean the exhaust duct if there is a buildup of lint or dirt.

Drum Rotating Belt Check

If your dryer won't spin and you've ruled out the lint trap and exhaust vent as possible causes, it may be a broken drum belt. If the belt that drives the drum of the dryer breaks, it will not spin and cause various issues. The belt is usually made of rubber and can wear down over time or break due to a defect.

If the belt breaks and is not replaced, the drum may lose the ability to rotate, preventing your dryer from spinning. In addition, the dryer may not tumble or heat properly because the drum will be unable to turn and move the clothes inside.

Lint Trap & Filter Checks

If you've ruled out the exhaust vent and drum belt and the dryer still won't spin, the lint trap or lint filter may be clogged. A large amount of lint in the lint trap or filter can cause the dryer to overheat, resulting in the dryer shutting off or the lint burning and smoking.

If the dryer overheats, it will cause the drum to stop rotating, which will prevent the dryer from spinning. The overheated lint can also melt onto the drum belt, preventing the dryer from turning.

Lint Trap is Blocked

If the lint trap is clogged, the dryer will not spin. The lint trap is a mesh trap between the dryer's exhaust duct and the lint filter. It is designed to catch lint and other debris, so it doesn't clog the lint filter. If the lint trap is blocked and the dryer won't spin, you can clean it to fix the problem. To clean the lint trap, unplug the dryer and then open the lint trap. Clean the mesh using a brush or vacuum.

Lint Filter is Blocked

If the lint filter is clogged, the dryer will not spin. The lint filter is located in front of the lint trap. It is designed to catch lint and other debris that escapes from the lint trap. If the lint filter is clogged and the dryer won't spin, you can clean it to fix the problem. To clean the lint filter, unplug the dryer and then remove the lint filter. Clean the filter using a brush or vacuum.

Exhaust Vent is Blocked

If the exhaust vent is clogged, the dryer will not spin. A dryer exhaust vent is a duct that runs from the back of the dryer and outside the house. The duct is designed to transport air out of the house and away from the dryer. You can unclog the duct and fix the problem if the exhaust vent is clogged and the dryer won't spin. To unclog the exhaust duct, remove the duct from the back of the dryer and use a vacuum to remove the debris.

Conclusion

Dryers are a great appliance but often create pretty gross smells and clogs. Depending on the problem that you are experiencing with your dryer, it may be that your dryer needs to be repaired. However, most of the time, your dryer isn't broken; it just needs a little extra care. This will ensure that not only does your dryer run smoothly, but it also keeps your clothes clean and free from damage.