Why won’t the Dryer Door stay Shut?

If your dryer door won’t stay shut, there can be many causes. It can be due to a faulty door latch or a broken door hinge. Moreover, build-ups around the frame or a stuck object can also be another factor.

In order to fix this problem, you need to identify the root cause. Once you know the reason, it will be easier to take corrective measures.

In this article, we will discuss some of the possible causes of a dryer door that won’t stay shut and how you can fix them.

Faulty Door latch

A dryer’s door latch is the primary locking mechanism that keeps the door shut and secure while the dryer is running or closed.

With rough use or aging, these latches can deteriorate and break.

If the door is not shutting properly and you doubt that the latch may be faulty, check to see if the broken strike or catch is the cause.

If the latch is completely worn out, you will have to replace it with a new one.

Before you do that, make sure to take measurements so that you get the right size.

You can follow the step-by-step instructions to replace the door latch here.

The Door hinges

The door of a clothes dryer opens and closes with the help of hinges.

It keeps the door hooked up to the dryer and aligned with the frame.

The hinges can wear out over time, causing the door’s alignment to be compromised.

Before you proceed with the replacement of the door hinges, simply inspect if one or more screws are either loose or worn out.

Fix them accordingly or simply replace the hinges if damaged.

Follow our step-by-step instructions to replace the door hinges here.

Door Switch

The door switch activates the dryer as the door closes to lock during a dry cycle.

A faulty door switch may be responsible for the non-functional door locking mechanism.

It may even display error codes relating to a malfunctioning door or a door that has not been detected as closed.

A door switch is connected to the door from behind and to the inside of the dryer.

It can be accessed by releasing the top panel just above the drum.

To confirm a faulty door switch, you can inspect if the electrical wires running through it aren’t faulty.

To do so, test it for continuity using a multimeter.

Replacing or testing a door switch in a dryer is a fairly simple task, and to do it yourself, here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on replacing a door switch.

Door Gasket seals

A door gasket seal is usually found on the door frame of a dryer. It keeps the door from leaking by making an airtight seal when the door is closed.

It is made of durable rubber, and when it wears out, it can cause the dryer door to not close properly.

Door gasket seals are usually damaged by garments that catch on them when being loaded or unloaded from the dryer.

Clothes with hooks and chains can easily tear or amplify the wear and tear on door gasket seals.

Furthermore, foreign objects such as pins, coins, screws, etc. can also damage the seal.

Therefore, it is always recommended to check your garments, especially their pockets, for any hidden coins or pins in them before loading them into the dryer.

If you notice wear and tear around the rubber gasket, then this could be the culprit.

Repairing is not an option in most cases, and you will need to get it replaced.

Build-ups

Lint, dust, and other debris can accumulate over time and cause the door to not close properly.

Make sure to check and clean this area regularly to prevent any build-up.

You can use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to clean around the door gasket seal.

If you still notice any build-ups, you can spray a mixture of white vinegar and water over the affected surface and leave it to settle for about five minutes.

Now, simply use a damp cloth and gently wipe the areas.

Alternatively, you can apply a paste of baking soda (mix half a cup of baking soda and a few drops of water in a small bowl) and leave it to settle over the surface for 10 minutes.

Next, pour a few drops of water and gently rub the surface with a toothbrush or a sponge.

Finally, wipe the area with a damp cloth or a sponge.

You may have to repeat the steps to get rid of stubborn buildups.

Stuck object

Check if something is coming between the door and the frame while you attempt to close the door.

It may be a tiny piece of clothing or a portion of your garment that might have gotten stuck while you were loading the clothes into the dryer.

Just look around the frame carefully and take it off to fix the problem.

Final Thoughts

There can be several reasons why your dryer door won’t stay shut.

In most cases, it is due to a faulty door switch, a damaged door gasket seal, or build-ups around the door area.

In most cases, you can fix the issue yourself by cleaning or replacing the relevant parts.

However, if you are unable to fix the problem, it is always best to call a professional to fix the door on your dryer.

Lastly, check to see if the dryer is still under warranty before you try to fix it yourself. If it is, the problem might be covered by the warranty.