HOW HOT DOES A DRYER GET? DRYER TEMPERATURES & TIPS
Dryer temperatures can typically get as high as 160°F, though temperatures may vary by setting. Maytag® dryers with the Sanitize Cycle use extra hot drying temperatures to remove up to 99.9% of three common household bacteria1. In contrast, settings for delicates use lower temperatures.
Understanding your dryer temperatures and any possible signs your dryer may be overheating can help you address possible issues before they become more serious. Keep reading to learn about dryer temperatures, if dryers can overheat and how to troubleshoot a dryer that’s too hot.
HOW HOT DOES A CLOTHES DRYER GET?
Your dryer temperature can vary depending on your dryer type and available settings, but the temperature typically falls somewhere between 120° and 160°F. Select commercial dryer temperatures may get as high as 176°F. Understanding the unique cycles and temperatures of your dryer, along with ways you can troubleshoot a dryer that’s overheating, can help your laundry day run as smoothly as possible.
HOW HOT DOES A DRYER VENT GET?
When the dryer is operating properly, the maximum temperature of the exhaust shouldn’t exceed 200°F. As your dryer heats and dries your clothes, the warm, moist air from your appliance is filtered out from the exterior vent. If you have a standard vented dryer, it’s normal for your vent to give off some heat.
If there’s an issue with your dryer vent, select Maytag® smart laundry appliances will display an error code to alert you of the problem. Contact a professional technician if you need assistance with appliance issues.
SHOULD THE OUTSIDE OF MY DRYER FEEL HOT?
If the outside of your dryer is hot to the touch, or if your clothes are too hot to take out of the dryer after a cycle, it may be a sign that your appliance needs some maintenance. Your dryer will always be warm while in use, but shouldn’t give off intense heat or produce a burning smell.
CAN A DRYER OVERHEAT?
A dryer can overheat, especially if the vent is obstructed, which could be caused by an accumulation of lint inside the vent itself. A vent duct clogged with lint may also be why your dryer isn’t heating. Additionally, if your dryer detects that it is overheating, it may automatically shut off. For both of these reasons, it’s important to properly care for your appliance and clean your dryer’s entire ventilation system at least once every two years.
TROUBLESHOOT A DRYER THAT’S GETTING TOO HOT
There could be a number of reasons why your dryer is overheating, such as a blockage in your dryer’s airflow or a part that needs to be replaced. Keep reading to discover possible issues you might need to address if your dryer is getting too hot. Always consult a professional to diagnose unknown issues with your appliances.
1. BAD DRYER BLOWER
The dryer blower pulls air into the dryer and circulates the hot, damp air out through the exterior vents. A malfunctioning dryer blower may produce a high pitched noise, loud vibrations or longer dryer times. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, along with your dryer overheating, it may be time to replace the blower.
Shop the Appliance Replacement Parts page for Maytag® dryer blower wheels and contact a professional technician for help with diagnosing and replacing this part.
2. CLOGGED EXHAUST VENT
If it’s been a while since you cleaned your dryer’s ventilation system and you notice that your dryer has been overheating, you may want to perform some maintenance. Lint can accumulate in the dryer exhaust vent, causing it to clog and prevent heat from being expelled.
To learn how to clean your dryer vents, follow this helpful step-by-step guide.
3. UNCLEANED LINT TRAP
Lint traps can help reduce the amount of lint and other particles from building up and potentially clogging your dryer’s exhaust duct hose. Clean your lint trap after every load and perform a deep clean every six months, or as needed.
4. BROKEN HEATING ELEMENT
A heating element helps produce heat in most electric dryers. If this part shifts over time, it may cause the dryer to overheat. To resolve this issue, contact a professional technician to help diagnose the problem and possibly replace the heating element.
5. CRUSHED DRYER DUCT
Ensure your dryer hose isn’t crushed by looking behind the dryer without moving it. If your dryer is too close to the wall, carefully pull the dryer away from the wall before discarding any crushed vent material. Crushed vent ducts can prevent moisture from leaving the dryer and inhibit the performance of the dryer. Be sure to replace any crushed venting material before using your dryer again.
TIPS TO KEEP YOUR DRYER RUNNING SMOOTHLY
Clean your lint screen after every use, and deep clean it with a nylon laundry brush, water and detergent every six months.
Clean your dryer’s vent and duct system at least once every two years using a dryer cleaning brush.
Avoid overloading your dryer beyond its indicated capacity.
Keep the area around your dryer’s exhaust free from excessive dust, lint or dirt.
- Clean your dryer with a soft, damp cloth, along with a nonflammable cleaner or mild dish soap.
SHOP MAYTAG® DRYERS
Maytag® dryers are equipped with a variety of settings that can help you power through the toughest laundry day. The Maytag® Pet Pro dryer uses a no-heat, extended dry time to lift pet hair from clothes, while select dryers with Advanced Moisture Sensing use sensors that monitor moisture and air temperatures to help prevent underdrying and overdrying.
LEARN MORE ABOUT DRYERS WITH MAYTAG BRAND
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How Long Does a Dryer Take to Dry Clothes? Read about dryer cycle lengths and how long a dryer may take to dry certain fabrics. Learn about the time difference between air drying and using a dryer. -
Best Dryers in 2025 For You: A Buying Guide Find the best clothes dryer for your home. From top-rated gas and Maytag electric dryers to the most energy-efficient dryer options, this guide will help you find which dryer to buy. -
Why is My Dryer Not Drying? Troubleshooting Guide If your dryer is not getting as hot as you want, run through these quick steps to find out why — and learn more about the importance of dryer vent cleaning and airflow.
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1. Bacteria tested were K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus.
