Gas Dryer - Black (Exhaust?) is staining inside of dryer and clothes, what is going on?

Question

The problem lessens when the vent is cleaned. However my question is should there be black exhaust going through the inside of the dryer in the first place. Is it an effect that happens when theres not enough airflow and that makes the dryer run poorly and create black exhuast, or is the exhuast always there but just doesnt build up when theres good airflow?

Should there ever be black exhaust period or does it point to a problem with the dryer? Im confused that I haven't heard any mention at all of this problem from anyone on all of the internet searching I've done. Has anyone had this happen?

Thank you!

GL · Accepted Answer

This situation sounds to me like you have a dryer set up for natural gas and are using propane as the fuel.  Propane has way more calories than natural gas and the jet which meters the flow needs to be smaller to get the right air fuel mix.

If this isn't the case the problem still remains that the burner is getting too much gas and not enough air to provide a nice clean flame.

Some burners have an air adjustment on the end of the burner where the gas pipe feeds the burner.  You can check this by removing access covers, and also the possibility exists that the openings for air to flow into the burner have become blocked with lint or something.

I would check these things before calling a service person, but I also wouldn't run the unit without finding the problem either.

Good luck !

    GL   ☺   ☺

sweetpea · Answer

I don't think it should be happening at all. You may end up with a carbon monoxide problem if you're not careful. Better have it checked, or get a new dryer.

ridingorracing · Answer

i believe your vent is plugged, or  it's not getting air.

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Gas Dryer - Black (Exhaust?) is staining inside of dryer and clothes, what is going on?

3 Answers