Dryer snagging clothes (washer, heat, paint, vent)

[southward bound]

We purchased new washer and dryer just over a year ago. They work fine and we were happy with them - until....

After Christmas dinner I washed my nice, new, somewhat expensive tablecloth and dried it only to find when I took it out that there were areas in the fabric that were snagged and the threads were pulled.

I went on a hunt for anything sharp or rough that could snag the fabric as it tumbles and the only thing I can find is the vent cover at the back of the dryer. It is made of metal and the center of it it seems to have lost its smooth finish and the edges of the holes are rough to the touch. It doesn't seem to bother tougher clothing (jeans, jackets, shirts), but it's enough to snag the finer materials.

What to do? Has anyone had similar experience? Can we coat the vent cover with something heat-resistant? Can it be sanded and painted? Simply order a new one and replace it? (It will only last a year)

The applicances are Maytag, a brand which is being absorbed by another company as Maytag is out of business.

[alleycat]

A couple of thoughts (with no idea if they're right or not):

One, are you sure it was the dryer that did the damage and not the washer?

After a considerable amount of use, a vent cover with sort of darken due to the heat, but there's no reason for the holes to become rough to the touch. You may have had a defective cover from the start and just didn't notice it until you washed the tablecloth. Or it could be that your model did indeed have some kind of cheaper cover that roughen due to the heat in one year (but that actually seems unlikely). I would think about replacing it.

[southward bound]

Originally Posted by alleycat

A couple of thoughts (with no idea if they're right or not):

One, are you sure it was the dryer that did the damage and not the washer?

After a considerable amount of use, a vent cover with sort of darken due to the heat, but there's no reason for the holes to become rough to the touch. You may have had a defective cover from the start and just didn't notice it until you washed the tablecloth. Or it could be that your model did indeed have some kind of cheaper cover that roughen due to the heat in one year (but that actually seems unlikely). I would think about replacing it.

Thanks, I'll check the washer again.

[poconoproud]

I have the same problem. My dryer's lint trap has cracked, and is snagging fabrics, grabbing sweatshirt strings, etc. Is your lint trap in a place that it comes into contact with the clothes, and is it still in good shape?

[southward bound]

Originally Posted by poconoproud

I have the same problem. My dryer's lint trap has cracked, and is snagging fabrics, grabbing sweatshirt strings, etc. Is your lint trap in a place that it comes into contact with the clothes, and is it still in good shape?

The lint trap is still good, but I'll have to check the edges and corners on it. Thanks for that suggestion.

I checked the inside of the washer drum, and the agitator. Those seem to be fine.