That’s the sound of my dryer not squealing.
It’s a beautiful sound.
You may remember that last year, I had to take it all apart and grease the two wheels that the drum runs on. All was well for a while, but recently, it started making unpleasant noises again.
Finally, it got so bad, I could ignore it no longer (once again, it was a headache-inducing pitch!) , and I decided it was time to take the dryer apart again.
The good news is that the second time you take your dryer apart, it’s a lot less scary. I still had to use a YouTube video to remind me exactly how to do it, but I was much more confident than last time.
Sure enough, the right rear wheel was the culprit. For some reason, the bar the wheel runs on had rusted, and so the wheel wasn’t moving very freely.
I’m still trying to figure out how it rusted, since the inside of a dryer isn’t a permanently damp place. The only thing I can think is that in my unheated laundry room, when I turn on a cold dryer, maybe the heat makes some condensation happen?
I cleaned off the rust as best I could and then gave both wheels a nice dose of 3-in-1 oil. After I made sure they were rolling smoothly, I put everything back together, and oh yes! The sweet sound of a quiet dryer was back.
Also back? The I-am-a-superwoman-because-I-fixed-an-appliance feeling.
I know it’s not that amazing or hard, but I can’t help feeling pleased whenever I overcome my fear of appliances, especially when that means not having to pay a repairman.
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Joshua’s 365 post: I REALLY like this picture.
sarah
Wednesday 27th of February 2013
I cant believe you use a tumble drier and you are frugal?
I have not used a tumble drier for about 2 years and saved LOADS of money.
I only do washing when the weather is nice and when the washing basket is full. The basket takes over a week to get full because I only let the kids change their underwear every day, I check their other clothes every night when they go to bed to see if they are dirty or not and usually they are not so they get worn until they are filthy. When it comes to bedding I change my bed every fortnight and the kids beds every month (they dont sweat like us adults do) and I have got plenty of bedding (all cheap) so I can wait for a nice day to wash it all.
I wouldn't advice using a tumble drier if you are trying to save money
Ashley S
Saturday 23rd of February 2013
There really is a great sense of accomplishment when you can fix it yourself! I have taken apart and fixed our washing machine, dryer and our microwave twice, all for under $20 a fix. Our washer and dryer are 15 years old and still going strong, but I know a lot of people who replace them every 5 years. My thought is always that if it's already not working, what's the harm in trying? This is definitely what makes me feel the most frugal, figuring out how to fix the big stuff that most people will just toss out.
Economies of Kale
Friday 22nd of February 2013
I used to live in a very old house and rewired a fuse once with only instructions from my dad on the phone (no youtube because we had no power). Definite superwoman-feelings then :)
And I'm slowly learning to do things to the car, like replacing wiper blades and fuses, although a lot of that stuff still scares me!
Jen C
Thursday 21st of February 2013
I am totally impressed....you are a braver woman than I!
Linda
Thursday 21st of February 2013
So that's what it is!!!! My dryer has been doing that for a couple of weeks, esp. when it first comes on. It almost sounds like a microwave beeping. Thanks so much! I'm gonna check it out! Linda