Home Garden

How to Repair a Maytag Commercial Dryer

Maytag is an appliance company whose image of the "bored Maytag repairman" became an advertising icon in the 1960s. While Maytag is known for reliability, its washers and dryers do break down from time to time. Instead of calling the Maytag repairman if a Maytag commercial dryer breaks down, look at it yourself first to see if it is fixable. Repairing the dryer yourself is often feasible, and saves you time and money in the process.

Things You'll Need

  • Thermometer
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Check the power plug for the dryer. Make sure it's plugged in securely to a power outlet and that the outlet is getting power. Check the breakers as well to make sure they are turned on. If the dryer is pulling more power than the breaker can handle, the breaker shuts off as a safety mechanism. In this instance, the dryer needs to be put on another circuit to prevent overload. The circuit breaker for a dryer should have a 20 to 30 amp circuit rating.

    • 2

      Examine the dryer exhaust duct to make sure no obstructions exist. A blocked duct results in longer drying times and also may shut the dryer down entirely. Remove any obstructions from the duct before using the dryer again. Maytag recommends against using a duct smaller than 4 inches in diameter.

    • 3

      Clean the lint filter. A lint filter often fills up in a single load and if it clogs, air flow gets blocked and the lint could even catch fire. Regular removal of the lint is essential to proper dryer function and the filter should be cleaned after every load.

    • 4

      Lessen the load in the dryer if the clothes aren't drying appropriately. If the dryer is filled too much, the clothing can't move effectively and air can't permeate it properly.

    • 5

      Examine the door latch. A pressure switch on it prevents the dryer from working when the door is open. If the switch breaks, the dryer won't work until it is replaced, which usually requires professional assistance unless you have experience in such repairs.

    • 6

      Hold a thermometer up to the vent in the back of the dryer to verify the air is about 150 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is significantly lower than that on a normal setting, you likely have a cycling thermostat problem and this requires professional replacement.

    • 7

      Contact Maytag at 800-344-1274 if the commercial dryer is still not working properly.