What's The Best Way To Deal With An Extra-Loud Buzzer On Your Dryer?

If you've ever been enjoying your evening when you suddenly launch off of the couch in a panic, only to realize the loud noise you heard was just your dryer, you might be wondering if you can turn that sound off. Luckily, disabling the buzzer that creates the annoying and overly loud noise is possible. In fact, turning off the extra-loud indicator is as simple as pulling the wires out of the buzzer. And while this may sound easy, it can be unsafe if not handled correctly.

The first step to disabling the buzzer is to unplug your entire dryer. Unfortunately, with most dryers, the buzzer has no on-and-off switch. Since you have to open the console and deal with electrical wires, it's best to ensure the entire machine is unplugged to avoid electric shocks. Once the dryer is safely unplugged, you need to find the buzzer and pull the wires out from where it's connected. Simple, yes, but there are a few things to consider before getting rid of the buzzer.

What to consider before unplugging the buzzer

The three-step process involved unplugging the dryer, finding the buzzer, and pulling the wires. Make sure that you are prepared from the start so that you do not harm yourself or break your dryer, and of course, keep your dryer unplugged the entire time. Before you start pulling wires, you'll want to know where the buzzer is. If you kept the manual for your specific dryer model, it should be listed there. If not, you can often find the buzzer behind the front or back panels. If you still aren't sure how to locate the buzzer on your dryer, consider looking up the model number online to find more information about its location. 

Certain brands may also house their buzzers differently. For example, GE dryers place their buzzers in a control console. To disable the buzzer, you will first need to unscrew that console and remove it to see it. If the pulled wires are now in the way or floating around aimlessly, you can use electrical tape to tape them to the side or top of the panel. Just be sure you are using the right kind of tape — duct tape and other types of tape are not heat resistant like electrical tape and can pose a fire hazard when placed on or near the dryer.

Other noise considerations for your dryer

For many of us, the buzzer may be just one of the noise issues created by our dryer. We all know dryers can be quite noisy when used, but do they have to be? If your dryer is making a loud banging noise, it likely means that your drum belt is worn out or not secured properly to the dryer. Similarly, a squeaking noise from your dryer could mean that the drum bearings need to be replaced. Both of these issues can be repaired by a professional, and these noises could be signs that your dryer needs repairs.

If your dryer is making a loud vibrating or shaking sound, you may need to move it away from its current spot. If it is too close to the washer or a wall, the movement of the dryer against those items can cause a loud, unpleasant noise. If you can't move your dryer, consider adding padding to the sides where it touches other items to lessen the movement and vibrations. Once you take care of these ongoing noise issues, your relaxing night might not get disturbed anymore just because your clothes are dry. Just remember, once you disable the buzzer, you will no longer be alerted when the dryer finishes, so you'll need to remember that your clothes are done on your own!

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