Is that jacket with a zipper from making noise in the dryer? When you know that noise will get in the way of your day, do you put off doing the laundry? Here’s how to eliminate that issue in less than one minute.
If an item’s zipper makes noise in the dryer, turn it inside out and zip it up. On the inside of most zippers is a layer of fabric that keeps the teeth from hitting the sides of the dryer as they move.
Put the tape around the pull and stop if they still make noise.
Do you want to know how it works? Find out why the noise is happening and how to stop it at its source by reading on.
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Why do Zippers Make So Much Noise?
There are many things that can make dryers noisy, but zippers are one of the worst. There’s a difference between hearing the low rumble of the dryer, which only lets you know it’s running, and actually hearing it.
Another thing is hearing a “clack, clack, clack” sound every few seconds, nonstop, but not always the same. That is the most annoying sound possible.
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Material Metal
Metal zippers make the most noise. The zipper, teeth, pull, and stops are all made of metal, and they hit and rub against the dryer’s metal sides as the load moves around inside the spinning drum.
You get the sound of metal hitting metal, which isn’t nice when you want to relax or work.
As the dryer spins, the metal of a zipper hits the side of the dryer. The metals are trying to scratch each other, even if only briefly. You can hear the vibrations of those attempts in the tapping and scraping sounds.
Since nothing exists between the metals, they can constantly scratch away; metal zippers make the most noise in the dryer.
It doesn’t even talk about the pull or the stops. If the teeth were like a light chain that scrapes the drum occasionally, then the pull and stops would be like the heads of hammers that hit the drum with the weight of the whole thing behind them.
These parts have a little more concentrated weight and angular momentum. That means these little metal bits hit the drum’s metal with a lot more force than the teeth do, making their noises louder.
Glass and plastic
Zipped clothes made of plastic are pretty good because they are lighter and sharper. Plastic ones tend to have smoother edges and ears for zippers.
They are also lighter than metal zippers, so they don’t get as much force behind them when you spin them. Putting metal against plastic also makes a very different sound.
Because of that, the plastic zippers will make less noise. If you don’t like how your plastic zippers make noise, though, zipping them up inside out will help.
The protective fabric on the inside of plastic zippers makes it almost impossible for the plastic to touch the metal drum of the dryer.
Regarding zipper pulls and stops, plastic ones can be just as bad as metal ones. Finding a zipper with plastic teeth is common, but metal pulls and stops.
Even if it’s not made of metal, the pull is likely to flail and make a lot of noise as the dryer throws it around the drum.
Block out the noise.
The best way to stop the noise is to put something between the things that are making it and the noise sources.
It usually works to zip the item up inside out because the protective fabric gets in between the metal parts that make noise and stops them from touching and making noise.
That is only sometimes the best answer, though. Some zippers don’t have much fabric to protect them, so the teeth can reach almost the whole thing on both sides.
Turning it inside out will only help a little against the stops or the pull since the inside of these parts can usually pick up noise just as well as the outside.
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Tape
Here’s where the tape comes in. For extra noise protection, wrap some tape around the pull and the stops. Sticky tape will work, but duct tape might leave a mark because of the heat.
Putting the tape on should happen after the wash cycle, not before, because the water can make it fall off.
You can also put a strip of tape along the teeth, doing the same thing as the fabric.
You can’t get the metal to touch directly because of the tape around the complex parts of the zipper. Thin layers of tape might only block out sound, but the tape should usually be enough to quiet things down.
Strings of Paracord
If you don’t like the idea of tape residue on your zipper, you could use paracord instead of tape. It won’t help with the stops, but if you weave it through the pull, you’ll make a soft barrier around it that will stop it from touching the drum. The soft cords should also block out any noise that the pull tries to make.
Still Making a Racket?
There are more things you can try if these don’t work. The best thing to do is to use plastic instead of metal. It takes a little more work, but the solution lasts longer.
Change the zipper to one that makes less noise. So, if your zipper is made of metal, you should get a plastic one instead.
There are some things where replacing the zipper might be easier than others. But you should only do this if you know how to use a seam ripper and are used to sewing with the foot up.
FAQ: How do you stop the zipper from making noise in the dryer?
1. How do I stop my dryer from rattling zips?
To prevent dryer rattling due to zippers, secure zipper pulls, place garments in a mesh laundry bag, use dryer balls to buffer noise, and consider attaching fabric or a small sock to the zipper pull using a safety pin for cushioning. These measures help reduce noise and potential snagging in the laundry process.
2. How do you stop a zipper pull from making noise?
To reduce noise from a zipper pull, zip the zipper up to the top, secure it with a rubber band or duct tape, and use a small piece of felt or fabric with a safety pin to muffle the noise.
3. Is it OK to have zippers in the dryer?
The dryer zipper should be fastened to prevent snagging and turned inside out to avoid metal zipper banging. Consider the fabric’s suitability for high heat and check the care label for specific drying instructions.
4. How do you protect zippers in the dryer?
To protect zippers in the dryer, close them before placing them in the dryer, use a mesh laundry bag to contain items with zippers, dry garments on lower heat settings, and consider air-drying large or decorative zippers to avoid potential harm from the dryer.
Final Word
Dealing with noisy dryer zippers can be frustrating, but there are effective solutions to mitigate the clatter.
Whether it’s the irritating “clack, clack, clack” of a metal zipper or the less intrusive sound of plastic, understanding the cause of the noise is the first step in addressing it.
Employing simple strategies such as turning garments inside out, using protective fabric, or applying tape to the zipper’s components can significantly reduce the noise.
For those seeking a more permanent solution, replacing metal zippers with plastic ones offers a longer-lasting fix.
Whether you choose a quick tape fix or a complete zipper replacement, these methods can provide peace of mind and a quieter laundry routine.
