What Can I Use to Cover a Scratch in My Dryer Drum?

Touch-Up Paint

• Most appliance repair stores and online retailers that sell replacement parts also sell high-temperature touch-up paint for dryer drums. Touch-up paint usually is the easiest solution for covering a scratch on a dryer drum, according to Appliance 411. Certain paint colors are made specifically for concealing a blemish on particular dryer models. Using a paint color that matches your dryer type and interior color will ensure that the paint covers the scratch.

Steel Wool

• Steel wool is effective at eliminating a superficial scratch and rust particles on galvanized steel dryer drums, but should not be used on stainless steel drums, as steel wool could scratch the drum even more. You normally can find steel wool pads in certain dryer drum repair kits or sold separately at appliance parts retailers. Use only light pressure to rub out a scratched drum and to remove rust, and go over the mark until it blends with the surface around it. The scratch should fade away gradually and become less noticeable. Apply a high-temperature touch-up paint or a sealant to cover the entire area and prevent it from rusting.

Deep Scrach Repair

• Unfortunately, it’s possible that a scratch on a dryer drum can puncture the wall of the drum. When this happens, there’s generally no way to cover the scratch completely to repair the hole in the wall. As a result, replacing the drum often is the only way to salvage your dryer. Since drums generally are expensive to replace, Repair Clinic recommends that you weight the cost of a new drum with the expense of new dryer, especially if the dryer is over 5 years old.

General Dryer Use Advice

• You can help avoid scratching your dryer’s drum if you follow some basic instructions for dryer use. First, don’t place metal objects into your dryer, such as belts, zippers or snaps, unless the fasteners are closed. Second, remove objects, like keys, paper clips or coins, from pockets, so they don’t fall out while tumbling and scrape the drum’s sides. Third, Frigidaire recommends that you use sewing tape or a piece of material to secure clothing ornaments and decorations that can’t be removed before placing them in your dryer. Finally, stop your dryer immediately if you hear a rattling noise inside and remove the loose item.