Materials for seals in clothes dryers

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the materials used for seals in clothes dryers, specifically comparing them to seals used for weather stripping. Participants explore the types of adhesives suitable for attaching these seals, particularly in relation to high-temperature resistance.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the felt and foam seals in clothes dryers are made of different materials than those used for weather stripping, noting their similar appearance.
  • Another participant mentions that there are common glues labeled as "high temperature," citing J-B Weld ExtremeHeat Adhesive as an example, but expresses uncertainty about the necessity of such high-temperature adhesives.
  • A third participant suggests that silicone caulk/adhesive could be resistant to the heat encountered in a dryer and might serve as a seal, but notes that its effectiveness depends on the specific action of the seal.
  • One participant provides information on dryer drum temperatures, stating that they generally stay below 150°F, with some sources quoting up to 175°F, and references a silicone sealant that is rated for 400°F.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the types of adhesives suitable for dryer seals and the temperatures involved, indicating that multiple competing views remain without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various temperature ratings and types of adhesives, but there are unresolved questions regarding the specific requirements for adhesives in this application and the durability of different materials under heat.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in home repair, appliance maintenance, or materials science may find this discussion relevant.

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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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