Materials for seals in clothes dryers

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the materials used for seals in clothes dryers, specifically comparing felt and foam seals to those used in weather stripping. It establishes that silicone-based adhesives are the most effective for high-temperature applications, with J-B Weld ExtremeHeat Adhesive being a notable example, rated for up to 2400°F. The typical operating temperature in a dryer drum is around 135°F to 175°F, making silicone sealants suitable for this environment. Organic glues are not recommended due to their inability to withstand prolonged exposure to high heat.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of high-temperature adhesives, specifically silicone-based sealants.
  • Knowledge of the operating temperatures in clothes dryers.
  • Familiarity with the properties of different seal materials, such as felt and foam.
  • Basic skills in applying adhesives and sealants effectively.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties and applications of silicone sealants, particularly those rated for high temperatures.
  • Investigate the differences between felt and foam materials used in seals and weather stripping.
  • Learn about the various types of high-temperature glues available in hardware stores.
  • Explore the impact of dryer temperatures on different materials used in household appliances.
USEFUL FOR

Home appliance repair technicians, DIY enthusiasts, and anyone involved in the maintenance or repair of clothes dryers will benefit from this discussion.

Stephen Tashi
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TL;DR
Are the felt and foam seals used inside clothes dryers made of different materials than the felt and foam seals used for weather stripping? (They look the same.)
Are the felt and foam seals used inside clothes dryers made of different materials than the felt and foam seals used for weather stripping? They look the same.

Sites that sell replacement seals mention attaching them with "high temperature glue". Do any glues commonly sold in hardware stores qualify as high temperature glue?
 
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There are common glues referred to as "high temperature".
If you Google "high temperature glue", you will find many. For example, J-B Weld ExtremeHeat Adhesive. - good to 2400F. But it's not clear that you need this. Most organic glues are good to well over 400F.
 
A good silicone caulk/adhesive should be completely resistant to any heat encountered in a dryer. And with careful application might even itself serve as the seal, depends on the specific action of how the seal closes, it probably wouldn’t be good for a sliding contact. It should work for a contact like a door opening and closing. I would not use an organic glue and expect it to survive 400° for long. It might resist the heat for a while but it would probably degrade over a short time. Silicone based is the best, that’s why they make cookware out of it.
 
Last edited:
The temperature in a dryer drum seems to stay below 150°F. Looking at a few sites, 175°F was the hottest quoted, and most said around 135°F was common.
https://www.google.com/search?&q=temperature+of+clothes+dryer

Here is a datasheet for a Silicone Sealant that is good to 400°F: https://www.gesealants.com/getattachment/74d1a449-f17f-4803-b253-652923b898a5/attachment.aspx

A few weeks ago I was helping a neighbor with a bed bug problem and the dryers at the laundromat get the clothes to 130°F. (I've seen reports that 120°F for one minute is lethal for those monsters.) She ultimately gave up and called in the professionals.

Cheers,
Tom
 

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