Why Is Your Dryer Producing Condensation?

If your dryer is getting a build-up of condensation inside of it, the problem is likely being caused by cold air getting inside the drum and coming into contact with the warm dryer air. When this happens, condensation occurs. 

There are many reasons this happens, including your dryer being placed in the wrong area, the lint trap being full, or a problem with your ventilation system. To find the cause of the problem and fix it, start by checking the location of your dryer and then work your way down our list of causes until you’ve solved the problem. Most of these problems can be fixed yourself and won’t require you to get a qualified technician to come and fix your dryer.

Your dryer might be in the wrong place

The best place to start is to check if your dryer is in an appropriate place in your home. For example, if your dryer is in a cooler area of the home like the garage or basement, this can cause condensation due to the cool temperature outside of the dryer and the hot temperature inside of the dryer (when it’s running). If your dryer is in a cool part of your home, move it somewhere warmer.

The lint trap might be full

If your dryer is in an appropriate place in your home, the next reason to rule out is a full lint trap. The lint trap collects lint from the inside of your dryer. If it becomes full and isn’t emptied, the temperature in your dryer can become too hot or cold and cause condensation. 

Cleaning the trap should be done after every cycle to prevent this problem from happening. To empty the trap, remove it from the dryer and clean all the lint out of it before placing it back into your appliance. If this doesn’t solve the problem, check the door gasket (see below).

The door gasket might be broken

If the door gasket/seal on your dryer is broken, cold air could be entering your dryer while it’s turned on, which can cause condensation when the cool air mixes with the hot air.

To check the door gasket, you need to:

1. Open your dryer door.
2. Inspect the door gasket for any signs of damage, including cracks, rips, and holes.
3. If the door gasket is damaged, it will need to be replaced. If the door gasket isn’t damaged, you can move on to checking the exhaust duct (see below).
4. To replace the door gasket, you will need to remove the old one and then install a new one. If this doesn’t solve your condensation problem, you will need to check the exhaust duct (see below).

The exhaust duct might be blocked

The next possible reason for condensation in your dryer to investigate is the exhaust vent has been blocked. This can happen when it isn’t cleaned out regularly (twice a year at a minimum). When blocked, air can get trapped in the dryer drum which causes condensation.

This is how to clean out the exhaust vent:

1. Turn the power off, and if you have a gas dryer, turn the gas valve off.
2. Disconnect the vent hose from your dryer by removing the clamp that holds it in place. You may need to move your dryer out from the wall to do this.
3. Once disconnected from the dryer, disconnect it from the wall end.
4. Once both ends are disconnected, use a vacuum cleaner to remove any debris in the hose. You can also use a long, thin brush if you have one.
5. Once the hose is clean, use your vacuum cleaner or a cloth to remove any lint and other debris from the vent connection area on the dryer and also the other end on the wall.
6. You now reconnect the hose on both ends and secure it in place with the clamp you removed earlier.
7. You can also go outside and vacuum or clean the vent from the outside exit point if you wish.
8. Once the exhaust vent system is clean, turn your dryer on and check if the condensation problem has stopped. If you’re still experiencing condensation in your dryer, you will need to make sure the vent is positioned correctly (see below).

The vent might not be positioned correctly

Sometimes dryer vent systems can be positioned incorrectly which causes condensation to occur. For example, if your vent hose goes up through the roof and into the attic the warmer or cooler temperature of the attic can cause condensation to develop. This isn’t usually the case in homes that have been built recently due to the known fire risks. 

Condensation can also be caused if the vent hose is too long. If your vent hose goes up through the roof or is too long, you should consider getting your ventilation system changed.

You may need a vent flap or booster

Another possible way to fix a dryer that is producing condensation is to install a booster or vent flap. These devices make sure your dryer vent only opens up when your dryer is turned on. 

As soon as your dryer ends its cycle, the vent flap closes the vent so no air can get into your dryer, which helps reduce condensation. If your dryer already has a vent flap, make sure it isn’t stuck or damaged. If so, it will need to be replaced. If you don’t have a vent flap installed, consider purchasing one and having it installed.

Installing a booster device into your dryer vent setup is another option you have to stop condensation in your dryer. These devices help speed up the removal of hot air from your dryer using a fan. They can be purchased at most hardware stores and easily installed yourself.