Over time, the lint screen grille in your Whirlpool dryer may become damaged or clogged with lint, which can restrict airflow and impact drying performance. If it’s time for a replacement, you’ll be glad to know that swapping it out is a straightforward task that can be done in under an hour.
Signs That Your Lint Screen Grille Needs Replacement
It’s important to recognize when your lint screen grille is no longer functioning effectively. Look out for these signs:
- Clogged or Blocked Grille: Excessive lint buildup that can’t be removed easily.
- Cracks or Damage: Visible cracks, breaks, or other structural issues in the grille.
- Restricted Airflow: Longer drying times due to reduced ventilation.
- Frequent Overheating: The dryer feels excessively hot during or after a cycle.
- Unusual Odors: Burning smells indicating lint buildup inside the dryer.
- Loose Fit: The grille no longer sits securely in its housing.
- Difficulty Cleaning Lint: The lint screen gets stuck or doesn’t remove lint effectively.
- Increased Lint Inside Dryer: Lint appears on clothing or in other parts of the dryer.
- Noise or Rattling: Loose or damaged parts causing unusual sounds.
- Poor Drying Performance: Clothes are damp or require multiple cycles to dry fully.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flat-blade screwdriver
- 1/4-inch nut driver
- Needle-nose pliers
- Utility knife
- Wooden block
- Replacement lint screen grille (make sure it is compatible with your dryer model)
Safety Guidelines to Follow
When working on any appliance, safety should always come first. Follow these precautions to avoid injury or damage:
- Disconnect Power: Turn off and unplug the appliance, or switch off the circuit breaker, to eliminate the risk of electrical shock.
- Cool Down Time: If the dryer has been recently used, allow it to cool completely before beginning work.
- Gas Supply: For gas dryers, shut off the gas supply to prevent leaks.
- Work at a Comfortable Pace: Avoid rushing to prevent accidents and achieve precision.
- Good Lighting: A well-lit workspace makes it easier to see and handle components.
- Declutter the Area: Keep the work area clear of obstructions, and keep children and pets out of the way.
- Dry Hands and Work Area: Avoid working with wet hands and keep the workspace dry to reduce risks.
- Refer to the Manual: Check the dryer’s user manual for any specific installation or safety instructions.
- Handle with Care: Avoid using excessive force to prevent damaging parts or causing injury.
- Protective Gear: Wear insulated gloves to shield your hands from sharp edges and debris. Consider wearing safety glasses or a dust mask if working in dusty conditions.
How to Replace the Lint Screen Grille in a Whirlpool Dryer
Here are the steps to replace the lint screen grille in your Whirlpool dryer.
Prepare the Dryer
- Turn off the dryer and unplug it from the power supply.
Remove the Dryer Top and Control Panel
- Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the two screws at the back of the dryer top.
- Slide the top panel back and lift it off.
- Remove the two corner screws securing the control panel with the nut driver.
- Disconnect the wire harness plugs by releasing the locking tabs and pulling them out.
- Lift the control panel up and off to disengage the mounting tabs. Set it aside.
Detach the Front Panel
- Open the dryer door and remove the lint screen.
- Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screws along the top of the front panel opening.
- Tilt the dryer back and place a wooden block under the front legs.
- Remove the mounting screws along the bottom with the nut driver.
- Stand the dryer upright, remove the block, and disconnect the remaining wire plug.
- Lift off the front panel.
Remove the Lint Screen Housing
- On the exposed bulkhead, remove the two quarter-inch screws holding the lint screen housing bracket.
- Use pliers to detach the spring clip and slide it off the bracket.
- Flip the housing over and remove the screws on each side to lift off the top brace.
- Remove the four screws securing the front bulkhead.
- Disconnect the moisture sensor plug.
- Remove the bottom center screw and retainer bar.
- Lift the bulkhead off the mounting hooks.
Clean the Interior
- Vacuum and wipe down the interior of the dryer and lint screen housing assembly.
- Remove any stuck-on lint clumps.
Install the New Lint Screen Grille
- Pry off the old moisture sensor terminals with a flat-blade screwdriver.
- Remove the old sensors by pressing in the locking tabs.
- Position the new grille piece where the old grille was seated.
- Align and slide the moisture sensors into place until they click.
- Snap the terminals back onto the sensors.
- Join the housing halves, tuck the tabs into their slots, and replace the screws.
Reinstall the Front Bulkhead
- Slide the front bulkhead up into the dryer and hang it on the side hooks.
- Reconnect the moisture sensor plug.
- Secure the bulkhead with the mounting screws and replace the top brace.
Reattach the Front Panel
- Align the front panel and secure it with screws at the top and bottom.
- Reconnect all plugs and verify the panel is securely in place.
Reattach the Control Panel and Top Panel
- Align the control panel and reconnect the wire harness plugs.
- Secure the control panel with the corner screws.
- Slide the top panel into place about an inch from the control panel, drop it down, and secure it with the back screws.
Final Steps
- Reinsert the lint screen into its housing and close the dryer door.
- Plug the dryer back into the power supply.
- Run a test cycle to confirm the dryer is working properly.
Wrapping Up
A damaged or clogged grille can cause longer drying times, overheating, or even pose safety risks. Taking care of this part ensures your dryer runs efficiently and safely.
The good news? This repair doesn’t take much time or skill, and it can make a noticeable difference. Once the new grille is in place, your dryer will work better, giving you faster and smoother laundry days. Tackle the job now, and enjoy the benefits of a dryer that performs like it should.