Dryer Putting Black Marks on Clothes? Fix It Now!

Is your laundry routine suddenly leaving you with unwelcome surprises? Lint buildup, a common issue addressed by appliance repair technicians at Sears Home Services, might be the culprit if your dryer putting black marks on clothes. These marks, often mistaken for grease, can actually stem from deteriorating dryer components like the drum rollers. Addressing this promptly is crucial, not just for your wardrobe, but also to prevent potential fire hazards highlighted by organizations like the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) regarding dryer safety.

Dryer Putting Black Marks on Clothes? Fix It Now!

Black marks on your clothes after they come out of the dryer? Ugh, frustrating, right? It’s definitely a sign that something’s not quite right inside your appliance. But don’t worry, most of the time it’s a relatively easy fix. This guide will walk you through the likely causes and, more importantly, how to tackle each one.

Identifying the Culprit: What’s Causing Those Marks?

First things first, let’s figure out what exactly is leaving those marks. It could be one thing, or a combination, so we’ll need to investigate a bit.

• Grease and Grime Buildup: This is probably the most common offender. Over time, lint and fabric softener residue can accumulate inside the dryer drum and on its internal components. This creates a sticky, greasy film that can transfer onto your clothes, especially when the dryer is hot.

• Worn Drum Seals or Glides: Dryers often use felt seals and plastic glides to help the drum rotate smoothly. When these wear out, they can start to break down and leave black, rubbery residue on your clothes.

• Damaged Drum: Scratches or chipped enamel inside the drum can also create a surface that collects dirt and can snag clothes. This isn’t a huge problem with newer, stainless steel drums.

• Dryer Belt Dust: The dryer belt, made of rubber, can degrade over time, shedding tiny black particles that end up on your clothes.

• Something Melted: Always check the items in your dryer carefully. Things like pens, crayons or similar will melt and smear across the interior of the dryer.

To help narrow it down, think about these questions:

1. Are the marks greasy or more like dust?
2. Are they happening on all types of clothing or just certain materials?
3. Have you noticed any unusual noises from the dryer recently?
4. When was the last time you thoroughly cleaned your dryer?

Tackling the Grease and Grime Monster

If you suspect grease and grime, it’s cleaning time! This is a good starting point, regardless.

• Unplug the Dryer: Safety first!

• Thoroughly Clean the Drum: Use a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap. Wipe down the entire interior of the drum, paying special attention to any areas with visible buildup. You might need a scrub brush for stubborn spots. Don’t use abrasive cleaners; you don’t want to damage the drum.

• Clean the Lint Trap (Again!): Even if you clean it regularly, give it a good scrub with soap and water to remove any lingering residue. A build-up of residue reduces efficiency.

• Clean the Lint Duct: This is where a lot of lint accumulates. If you can reach it, vacuum out the lint duct. If not, consider hiring a professional to clean it.

• Dryer Sheets: Use dryer sheets sparingly or, ideally, switch to dryer balls. Dryer sheets contain chemicals that can contribute to buildup.

Examining and Replacing Worn Parts

If cleaning doesn’t solve the problem, or if you suspect worn parts, it’s time for a little dryer surgery.

• Drum Seals and Glides: Inspect these carefully. Look for cracks, tears, or missing pieces. If they’re damaged, they’ll need to be replaced. You can usually find replacement parts online, and there are plenty of videos that will take you through the replacement process. Here’s a quick guide:

  Part	Symptoms	Solution
  Drum Seals	Black streaks on clothes, dryer is louder than usual	Replace the seal. This usually involves disassembling the dryer to access the seal.
  Drum Glides	Bumpy rotation, black specks on clothes	Replace the glides. These are usually easier to access and replace than the seals.

• Dryer Belt: Check the belt for signs of wear and tear. Look for cracks, fraying, or missing chunks. If the belt is damaged, replace it. Again, there are plenty of videos available online to guide you.

Dealing with a Damaged Drum

A damaged drum is trickier.

• Minor Scratches: Minor scratches are usually just cosmetic and won’t cause problems. You can smooth them out with fine-grit sandpaper if you’re concerned, but this isn’t always necessary.

• Chipped Enamel: If the enamel is chipped, exposing the metal underneath, this can be a problem. The exposed metal can rust and snag clothes. You can try to repair the chipped area with appliance enamel repair paint, but this is a temporary fix.

• Serious Damage: If the drum is severely damaged, you might need to consider replacing the entire drum or even the entire dryer. It all depends on the cost of repair versus the cost of a new dryer.

So, before you resign yourself to hand-washing everything, take a few minutes to troubleshoot. Getting rid of what’s causing your dryer putting black marks on clothes is usually a pretty straightforward fix, and your wardrobe (and your sanity!) will thank you for it. Happy laundering!