Putting very wet clothes in the dryer can cause the dryer to stop working for a variety of reasons. When clothes are excessively wet, the dryer may struggle to evaporate the water efficiently, leading to issues that can cause the dryer to stop working temporarily or permanently. Here are some common issues that might arise and steps you can take to resolve the situation:
Overloaded dryer: Putting too many wet clothes in the dryer can overload the machine and cause it to shut off as a safety measure. Remove some clothes to reduce the load.
Tripped circuit breaker: The wet clothes might have caused a surge in electricity, leading to a tripped circuit breaker. Check your electrical panel and reset the breaker if necessary.
Thermal overload: Some dryers have thermal overload switches that turn off the dryer when it gets too hot. This can happen if the dryer is struggling to dry the excessively wet clothes. Allow the dryer to cool down for some time and try again with a smaller load.
Clogged lint filter or vent: If the lint filter or vent is clogged, it can cause the dryer to overheat and shut down. Clean the lint filter and check the vent for any obstructions.
Belt or motor issues: In some cases, the excessive strain of trying to dry very wet clothes may cause the belt or motor of the dryer to fail. If you suspect this is the issue, it's best to call a professional technician to inspect and repair the dryer.
In any case, the first thing you should do is unplug the dryer from the power source before attempting to troubleshoot or resolve the issue. If you're unsure about what to do or if the problem persists, it's safer to contact a professional appliance repair service to diagnose and fix the problem properly.
Remember, it's essential to avoid overloading the dryer with extremely wet clothes in the future to prevent potential damage and ensure the appliance's longevity. Always try to balance the load and use the appropriate settings for the type of fabrics being dried.