I owned a Candy tumble dryer for twelve years, and ever so often it would stop in the middle of a cycle. Initially I would open the door, close it and restart it. But it would just stop again.
That led me down the rabbit hole of figuring out how to solve this problem for good. I checked the door latch, made sure there was consistent power and made sure that my dryer was not overloaded.
Some of these tactics would resolve the issue on occasion but not always. In this post I discuss all the potential causes of the issue and how to resolve each one
Common Causes of a Candy Tumble Dryer Stopping
Clogged Lint Filter
When troubleshooting I always start with the easy stuff. A clogged lint filter is one of the most common causes of a tumble dryer that keeps stopping.
I’ve noticed that when I don’t remove lint buildup in the filter after every cycle, it builds up over time. This can cause the dryer to overheat because there isn’t enough air flowing through the appliance.
This is a safety issue because lint under the right conditions will ignite. And an overheated dryer is one of those conditions. As a result, the dryer automatically shuts itself off as a precaution.
To prevent this from happening, it’s important to clean the lint filter after every use. Simply remove the filter from the dryer, and use a soft brush or your fingers to remove any lint that has accumulated. Rinse the filter under running water, and let it dry completely before placing it back in the dryer.
Faulty Moisture Sensor
The candy dryer has a condenser unit that converts warm air into water from your clothes. The water is then funneled into a water tank, leaving your clothes dry.
The moisture sensor is responsible for detecting how much water has been collected in the water tank and determining how dry your clothes are.
When the moisture sensor is not working properly, no signal is sent to the control panel which causes the appliance to stop working.
To fix this issue, grab a soft cloth to clean the sensor and then restart the unit.
Overheating
Another common cause of a Candy condenser dryer stopping is overheating.
When the dryer overheats, it will automatically shut off to prevent a fire from starting. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including a clogged lint filter, a blocked ventilation system, or a faulty thermostat.
To prevent overheating, it’s important to clean the lint filter after every use, and to ensure that the ventilation system is free from obstructions.
If the dryer continues to overheat, it may be due to another electrical issue. Continue with the troubleshooting steps described in this post
Faulty Thermostat
A bad thermostat will cause the dryer to stop working. When the thermostat isn’t working, the control panel is unable to detect the temperature in the unit.
The thermostat is responsible for regulating the temperature inside the dryer, and if it’s not functioning properly, the dryer may overheat or shut off unexpectedly.
If you suspect that the thermostat is faulty, it’s important to have it replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the dryer.
Blocked Ventilation System
A blocked ventilation system can also cause a Candy tumble dryer to stop working.
When the ventilation system is blocked, air cannot flow freely through the dryer, causing it to overheat and shut off.
To prevent this from happening, it’s important to clean the ventilation system regularly. This can be done by removing the vent hose from the back of the dryer, and using a vacuum or brush to remove any debris that has accumulated inside.
It’s also important to ensure that the vent hose is not kinked or bent, as this can also restrict airflow.
Related: Resetting the Candy Tumble Dryer
How to Fix a Candy Tumble Dryer That Keeps Stopping
Clean the Lint Filter
One of the most common reasons for a Candy tumble dryer to keep stopping is a clogged lint filter.
The lint filter is responsible for trapping lint and other debris that comes off the clothes during the drying process. Over time, the filter can become clogged, which restricts airflow and causes the dryer to overheat. To fix this issue:
- Remove the lint filter from the dryer
- Clean the lint off the filter using a soft brush or your fingers
- Wash the filter with warm, soapy water
- Dry the filter completely before putting it back in the dryer
Check the Ventilation System
If the lint filter is clean, the next step is to check the ventilation system. The ventilation system is responsible for removing hot air from the dryer and venting it outside. A clogged ventilation system can cause the dryer to overheat and stop working. To check the ventilation system:
- Disconnect the dryer from the power source
- Remove the ventilation hose from the back of the dryer
- Clean the hose using a vacuum cleaner or a long brush
- Check the vent outside for any obstructions
- Reconnect the ventilation hose to the dryer
Replace the Thermostat
If the lint filter and ventilation system are both clean, the issue may be with the thermostat. The thermostat is responsible for regulating the temperature inside the dryer. If it is faulty, it may cause the dryer to overheat and stop working. To replace the thermostat:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Disconnect the dryer from the power source |
| 2 | Remove the back panel of the dryer |
| 3 | Locate the thermostat |
| 4 | Disconnect the wires from the thermostat |
| 5 | Remove the thermostat from the dryer |
| 6 | Install the new thermostat |
| 7 | Reconnect the wires to the thermostat |
| 8 | Replace the back panel of the dryer |
| 9 | Reconnect the dryer to the power source |
By following these steps, you should be able to fix your Candy tumble dryer that keeps stopping. If the issue persists, it may be time to contact a professional for further assistance.
When to Call a Professional
While many of the issues that cause a Candy tumble dryer to keep stopping can be fixed by following the troubleshooting tips we’ve provided, there are some situations where it’s best to call in a professional. Here are a few scenarios where it’s time to pick up the phone:
- If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting tips and your dryer is still not working, it’s time to call in a professional. They can diagnose the issue and make the necessary repairs.
- If you’re uncomfortable working with electrical components, it’s best to leave the repairs to a professional. Working with electricity can be dangerous, and it’s important to know your limits.
- If you’ve identified a problem with a major component of your dryer, such as the heating element or control board, it’s best to call in a professional. These components can be expensive to replace, and it’s important to get the job done right the first time.
When you do call in a professional, be sure to have as much information as possible about the issue you’re experiencing. This can help the technician diagnose the problem more quickly and accurately. Additionally, be sure to ask for a quote before any work is done, so you know what to expect in terms of cost.
Remember, while it can be tempting to try to fix your Candy tumble dryer on your own, there are some situations where it’s best to call in a professional. By doing so, you can ensure that your dryer is working properly and safely, and avoid any potential damage or safety hazards.
Preventing a Candy Tumble Dryer from Stopping
Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is key to ensuring that your Candy tumble dryer runs smoothly and doesn’t stop unexpectedly. Here are some simple maintenance tips to follow:
- Regularly clean the lint filter after every use to prevent lint buildup, which can cause the dryer to overheat and stop working.
- Clean the moisture sensors with a soft cloth or a cloth dipped in distilled white vinegar to ensure they are working properly and preventing the dryer from stopping too early.
- Check the vent hose for any blockages or kinks that could restrict airflow and cause the dryer to overheat.
- Inspect the drum and door seals for any signs of wear or damage, and replace them if necessary to prevent air leaks that could affect the dryer’s performance.
Avoid Overloading the Dryer
Overloading the dryer can cause it to stop working properly and even damage the machine. Follow these tips to avoid overloading your Candy tumble dryer:
- Don’t overload the dryer with too many clothes or items at once. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for load size and weight.
- Separate heavy items, such as towels and jeans, from lighter items, such as t-shirts and socks, to ensure even drying and prevent the dryer from stopping too early.
- Don’t dry items that are too wet or dripping wet, as this can cause the dryer to stop working before the dryer cycle is complete.
By following these simple tips for regular maintenance and avoiding overloading the dryer, you can prevent your Candy tumble dryer from stopping unexpectedly and ensure it runs smoothly for years to come.
